Sophia Michaels
Victor Osimhen, a striker for the Super Eagles, has recounted experiencing a severe stomach ache ahead of the Wednesday semi-final match against South Africa.
Recall that reports said Osimhen might miss the game against the Bafana Bafana at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Ivory Coast after he suffered abdominal discomfort.
Nigerians were concerned about the striker’s health when it was revealed days after Jose Peseiro’s side beat Angola with a lone goal in the quarter-finals.
Recalling his experience after the Eagles beat South Africa 5-3, to book their place in the tournament’s final, the Napoli striker said the pain was so much that he was rolling on the floor.
He said he wanted to reach out to his colleague and winger, Samuel Chukwueze, but he was fast asleep, adding that he took the intervention of the medic to take care of him and declare him fit to play in the semis.
Osimhen made this known in a video on his Instagram Live, as she said he had to join the team by road when he was declared fit for the game.
“It was the day before yesterday. I slept, and I woke up around, and I felt pain in my belly. I was rolling on the floor from the pain,” Osimhen said.
“It was Samuel who was close to me. I knocked on his door several times, but he was deeply asleep. That was how I was matched to the hospital. The doctors tried. They gave me everything to get me ready for the match.
“And once I was relieved, I informed the coach and joined the rest of the team by road. It is a lot of sacrifices by everyone in the team.”
The 25-year-old a penalty against South Africa which William Troost-Ekong converted to give Nigeria the lead in the 65th minute on Wednesday.
Hugo Broos’ side also secured a penalty that was converted by Teboho Mokoena in the 90th minute.
Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 in a penalty shootout to qualify for the final of AFCON.
