Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is set to miss the high profile international friendly between Nigeria and Portugal, although he was included in Jose Peseiro 23-man squad for the friendly encounter in Lisbon.
Osimhen failed to honor the invitation with the NFF claiming that the Nigerian was out through injury and was replaced by Cremonese striker Cyril Dessers.
However Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport reveled that the Nigerian striker has no physical problems and misses the friendly due to his need to focus more on club football.
It makes sense for Victor Osimhen to prioritize club football over an international friendly game, given Napoli’s position in teh league as they are well on course in the title challenge.
Victor Osimhen also has a worrisome injury record and as the leading scorer in the Italian Serie A, the fact that the Nigerian has already missed 6 games for Napoli through injury this season is indeed a genuine concern.
As understandable as the reason for Osimhen not featuring in the upcoming friendly is, it goes on to question his commitment towards the National team.
It’s understandable Nigeria isn’t going to the world Cup and therefore making the friendly encounter inconsequential, but Super Eagles fans deserve to see there best players in action against Portugal, especially after the World Cup qualifier heartbreak.
Hence when the main man of the team doesn’t seem to prioritize the interest of the National team just as he does for his club, then it’s clear what side of the divide he stands.
