In response to circulating news about his absence from the Super Eagles camp, Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen has taken to Instagram Live to clarify his injury status and reaffirm his dedication to the national team.
Osimhen disclosed that he sustained an ankle injury in the last minute of his most recent match, confirmed through an MRI scan.
“I got injured in the last minute of our last match; I had an ankle injury confirmed on MRI,” Osimhen stated on Instagram Live.
He anticipated potential misunderstandings and immediately informed Super Eagles Head Coach Finidi George about his condition.
“I knew things like this would happen. I called Finidi immediately after meeting with the doctor, and we both talked with Finidi,” he explained.
Emphasising his unwavering commitment to Nigeria, Osimhen declared,
I won’t allow any disrespect from anybody; I won’t allow that stain from anybody. I always play my heart out for Nigeria.
Osimhen pointed out that he made a video call with Coach Finidi George during his doctor’s appointment in Germany.
During this call, Osimhen offered to join the camp to support the team despite his injury. However, Coach George advised him to prioritise his recovery.
“It’s better that he stayed back and recovered,” George reportedly stated.
Currently, Osimhen is recovering from a muscle injury, which has sidelined him from the World Cup qualifiers and a scheduled meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki in Edo State. This injury has added to the challenges the Super Eagles face in their ongoing World Cup qualification campaign, according to Ojodu Times.
In an earlier interview, Coach Finidi George addressed the situation, stating that he could not compel Osimhen to play for the team.
“I can’t beg Osimhen to play for the Super Eagles,” George remarked.
The Super Eagles’ journey through the World Cup qualifiers has been fraught with difficulties, including a recent defeat to Benin.
The absence of key players like Osimhen is keenly felt, but the focus remains on ensuring a fully fit squad for future matches.
Victor Osimhen lambastes Finidi George for singling him out for criticism.
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) June 15, 2024
Read more: Roadside Bomb Kills Six Soldiers in Somalia