Mueez Ajao
– Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of action for the next three months due to a facial injury, and will miss the Super Eagles’ participation at the Africa Cup of Nations.
– Osimhen, who has been in superb form in recent weeks for the Serie A league leaders, was set to lead the frontline for Nigeria in Cameroon in late January, but a clash of heads while playing Inter Milan on the weekend resulted in surgery and a long layoff.
– Napoli said on the their website on Tuesday afternoon: “On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket.
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– “Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation. The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.
– “Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”
– Osimhen faced criticism following his debut season in Italy, as he struggled to live up to the weighty expectations that accompanied his €80 million transfer from LOSC Lille during the summer of 2019.
– Injury problems and disciplinary issues didn’t help, while a goal return of 10 league goals all term left him under pressure heading into the current campaign.
– This season, however, Osimhen has answered critics emphatically.
– He’s spearheaded Napoli’s super start to the season as they’ve established themselves as genuine title contenders — and had scored five in 10 in Serie A heading into last weekend’s showdown with reigning champions Internazionale.
