Nigerian journalist and a close pal of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, Oma Akatugba has confirmed that the Nigerian star failed to make the friendly fixture against Portugal because of a slight injury he is nursing.
The Super Eagles striker was ruled out of Nigeria’s friendly game against Portugal and his presence was missed in the attack
Osimhen, who had been in spectacular form before the international break scoring in two of Napoli’s three games before the break, had to miss Nigeria’s loss in Lisbon last week.
However, there were many reports in the media that the 23-year-old striker was fine, but he was taking precautions in order to not suffer another injury with the Super Eagles.
Nonetheless, his close friend Akatugba has clarified that Osimhen was indeed injured, which made him even miss the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony where he won the ‘Emerging Player of the Year award.
“Osimhen’s injury is slight, but when the word of the injury spread on the internet, especially in Nigeria, the controversy quickly mounted on the fact that he didn’t want to play,” Akatugba said as per Napoli Magazine.
“Osimhen, however, has a very high respect for the national team, to avoid further controversy he chose not to go to Dubai to collect the award(Globe Awards).
“The thing that surprised Osimhen the most was not the prize, but beating two players like Valverde and Gavi who play in teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona, two more famous teams which obviously have a higher share.
“For Victor, it was a very welcome surprise that only increases the joy of the moment that he made us forget the little ailment that didn’t allow him to play for Nigeria.”
Osimhen’s presence was missed in the game against Portugal, as the Super Eagles suffered a 4-0 bashing in Lisbon. Nigeria could have got a goal but Nottingham Forest star Emmanuel Dennis missed a penalty when it was still 2-0.
This article was most recently revised and updated 7 months ago
