This archive report was first published on 22 December 2021.
On September 16, 2021, Victor Osimhen scored a goal for Napoli during the Europa League Group C match against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, England.
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has made a remarkable recovery from a serious head injury and is now on track to be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January 2022.
Osimhen suffered facial fractures after a clash of heads with Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar on November 21, 2021, and required titanium plates and screws to be affixed to his cheekbone and eye socket.
Initially, Napoli's medical team assessed that Osimhen would be out for three months, but the forward returned to training on Tuesday, wearing a protective mask, giving him a chance of making the tournament in Cameroon.
"I will be available for AFCON unless if (I) am not among the players picked to represent NIGERIA," Osimhen tweeted.
Osimhen was in a good run of form prior to his injury, with nine goals and two assists for Napoli as well as four goals for Nigeria in World Cup qualifying.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group D along with Egypt, Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.
Despite concerns about a lack of organisation, incomplete building work, and the threat of coronavirus outbreaks, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the tournament will go ahead as planned.
