Nigerian professional striker, Victor Osimhen, has pleaded to opt out of the next month’s Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Cameroon.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the withdrawal of Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Rangers defender Leon Balogun and Abdullahi Shehu in a revised list for 2022 AFCON.
Osimhen was excluded from the squad after testing positive for COVID-19 while Dennis has unresolved issues with his club Watford. Shehu and Balogun are down with injuries.
The withdrawal of Osimhen paved the way for the inclusion of Henry Onyekwuru with Taiwo Awoniyi replacing Dennis. Zaidu Sanusi and Olisa Ndah replaced Balogun and Shehu in the heart of the Super Eagles defence.
Recall 22-year-old Osimhen tested positive for COVID-19 disease recently as announced yesterday, December 30, 2021.
Making the announcement of his withdrawal from AFCON, Osimhen cited health reasons for his decision to stay away from the continental showpiece.
“Osimhen is out of AFCON. The coach has released him as a result of his club Napoli’s request and he (Osimhen) plea to opt out due to his health condition.
“We shall miss him, but his health is more important,” a source said.
Osimhen is currently battling with COVID-19 for the second time within a year, while recovering from facial surgery.
