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  The interim coach of the three-time African champions regrets not having his star striker available for the continental showpiece but insists his health comes first.
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Ahead of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, interim coach of the Nigerian national team Augustine Eguavoen has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Victor Osimhen’s omission from the updated Super Eagles 28-man list after he tested positive for COVID-19. Eguavoen revealed that Osimhen opted not to feature at the continental showpiece because his fitness level is low. It will be recalled that the Napoli man suffered a facial injury after colliding with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar in an Italian Serie A clash in November and was initially ruled out for three months. Despite the injury, Osimhen declared himself fit after barely a month on the sidelines and expressed willingness to feature at the AFCON before being struck by COVID-19. Eguavoen, in a chat with the media officer of the Super Eagles, revealed that he tried to convince Osimhen for hours to consider featuring at the tournament, but it was more important that he looked after his health.
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“Osimhen, it’s a pity that he will not be at the AFCON. He told me practically and pleaded with me, and I saw reasons,’’ said Eguaveon.
“I tried for hours to convince him, but his health comes first, which is my concern…When he spoke with me, he was disappointed, and he told me he was not okay and did not want to go to the AFCON not fully 100 percent fit…I gave him a few hours and called him back to see whether he will change his mind, and he told me he will be going for evaluation on his face on January 4 and 5 before doctors can make a final decision…With that injury, you have to consider his health. It’s a tough one.”
The Super Eagles kick off their 2022 AFCON campaign against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Source: Complete Sports Featured Image Source: Football Italia
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This article was first published on 5th January 2022

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