Napoli are threatening legal action against the NFF as they believe Osimhen is unfit to feature in the tournament.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is in a tug of war with Napoli over featuring Victor Osimhen at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
Napoli consider suing NFF
Napoli is fuming at the latest news from Nigeria concerning the team to Cameroon next month for AFCON. The club is dissatisfied with the reports and is mulling over legal action against the NFF.
Napoli stated that it is against the idea of Victor Osimhen featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles against the club doctor’s advice. The club lawyer Enrico Lubrano has refused to remove the option of a court battle with the NFF off the table.
The club is watching as things unfold, and Napoli does not mind seeking legal redress if the NFF continues on this course. Napoli is adamant that despite the progress that Osimhen might have made in his recovery process, he is still far from being fit enough to engage in contact sport.
Osimhen has been included in the Super Eagles 28-man list to AFCON and could feature in his second AFCON with the current situation.
An injury, recovery and a virus
A little over a month ago, Victor Osimhen sustained an injury in a Serie A clash between Napoli and Inter Milan. In a clash of heads with Inter defender Milan Skrinniar, Osimhen came off the worse and needed surgery to repair fractured bones in his face. After a successful surgery, the doctors advised Osimhen would be out of action for two to three months to heal properly.
Osimhen has been making steady progress as he recuperates from the surgery despite Napoli doctor Gianpaolo Tartaro suggesting it would be a miracle for Osimhen to feature for the Super Eagles in Cameroon.
Victor Osimhen is currently in Nigeria as he returned to spend time with family and friends during the holidays. The Napoli striker turned 23 on Wednesday and has stayed away from the public.
Victor Osimhen was to return to Naples on Friday for further tests. Dr Tartaro was supposed to supervise a CT scan to see the extent of the healing. With the imbroglio between the NFF and Napoli, the expectation is for the plastic surgeon to pass Osimhen unfit to return to action.
In a twist to the tale, news filtered out on Thursday that Osimhen is Covid-19 positive. The latest reports suggest the planned check-up has been postponed, as the striker should be in ten-day isolation.
Out to stop Osimhen from AFCON
Tutto Napoli reports that the Neapolitans are not satisfied with the Osimhen saga. They believe it is a ploy for Osimhen to remain in Nigeria from where he would proceed directly to Cameroon.
Lubrano confessed that the NFF doctors have the final say on Osimhen’s medical condition, but the club lawyer insists on taking legal action against the NFF.
Lubrano told Radio Punto Nuovo that Napoli might head to court to seek compensation from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
