Super Eagles head Coach, Jose Peseiro has cleared the air over the absence of Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s friendly against Portugal.
Peseiro named the Forward in the 23-man squad for the match in Lisbon, but hours later news emerged that Osimhen picked up an injury playing for Napoli in the league.
The 23 year-old was eventually dropped and Cyriel Dessers called up in his place subsequently.
However Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed that the information, of Osimhen’s injury, was false and alleged the Nigerian had no physical problems.
Since the emergence of the report, fans and critics back home have questioned the Young forward’s commitment to the National team, however, Peseiro has jumped to the defence of the player in order to provide the facts of the matter.
Speaking during the presser ahead of Today’s game, Jose Peseiro shed more light on the injury and revealed the reasons for excusing the player.
“The doctor from Napoli sent a report to our doctor that after the match, Osimhen felt pain in his back, and that he needs between 10 to 15 days to recover,” Peseiro explained.
“What can I do? Of course, I like to play with Osimhen. He’s a fantastic player. I like to play with the best players But he’s not here.
The 62 year-old, however, remains confident that without the Napoli striker, the team still has enough quality to give Portugal a game.
“I’m sad. But now I don’t think about Victor Osimhen. For me, more important is the players I have here.”
Victor Osimhen missed all all three previous friendly games since the appointment of the Portuguese coach – Ecuador, Mexico and Algeria – and will miss a fourth.
