Victor Osimhen has emerged as the latest Nigerian player to be ruled out of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon due to injury.
Osimhen joins Ogehenkaro Etebo on the unwanted list after his club Napoli announced on Tuesday he will be out for action for around three months following a successful operation on his cheek bone.
“On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present,” the club stated.
“Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation. The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.
“Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.” Napoli concluded.
The surgeon who operated on Osimhen’s facial fractures also revealed that the striker required ‘six plaques and 18 screws’ to repair the ‘devastating’ damage.
“Osimhen’s injury was not just a simple fracture to the cheekbone, as it involved many other bones in his face,” explained surgeon Gianpaolo Tartaro.
“It wasn’t an impact injury, it was one of compression. The kinetic force generated by the crushing of Osimhen’s face against the back of Skriniar’s head did devastating damage.
“In order to repair the fractures, I had to insert six plaques and up to 18 screws.”
Osimhen’s impending absence will be a big blow for both the Super Eagles and Napoli as the towering striker has been massive on both fronts.
Osimhen had scored five Serie A goals and four in the Europa League so far this season and he was Nigeria’s top scorer in the recently concluded Group stage of the World Cup qualifiers.
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