Victor Osimhen’s comeback to the field has brought a sense of relief to the Super Eagles’ officials, who were on the verge of exploring alternative strategies for the match against South Africa.
Initial concerns suggested that the Napoli star might not regain full fitness in time for the upcoming round of the 2026 World Cup African qualifying series.
Osimhen, absent from two previous Napoli fixtures, made his return last weekend against Leece, featuring as a substitute. His inclusion among the strikers listed by Coach Finidi George for the forthcoming games against South Africa and Benin Republic next month signifies a positive development.
Entering the pitch in the second half of Napoli’s final game of the season, Osimhen displayed no signs of the muscle ailment that had sidelined him for three weeks.
Preceding his return, Osimhen underwent specialised personal sessions with the club’s medical team, abstaining from regular training with the Napoli squad.
A source within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) hailed Osimhen’s comeback as a significant boost to Nigeria’s aspirations of qualifying for the World Cup, having missed out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the Super Eagles’ coaching staff is cognisant of the latest developments and has devised tailored training regimens for Osimhen and four other players deemed potentially susceptible to fitness issues.
“The team’s fitness trainer, Chima Onyeike, will work with some of the players specially to bring them to the top fitness level.
“The coaches invited more midfielders and attackers than defenders because they were prepared for any eventuality. But we are happy that reports from Italy are positive,” he said.
Osimhen, recognised in the Italian Serie A team of the season, is anticipated to spearhead the Super Eagles’ attacking trio, alongside Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman, in the upcoming matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.
Nigeria is scheduled to host South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and travel to Cote d’Ivoire to confront Benin Republic on June 10.
