Victor Osimhen’s absence from Thursday’s international friendly against Portugal has been lamented by Nigeria’s head coach, Jose Peseiro.
Speaking to the media, Peseiro disclosed that he had a report from Napoli’s medical staff stating that Osimhen has a back issue.
It will likely be two weeks before the 23-year-old is deemed healthy.
According to reports from the Italian media, Osimhen has no physical issues and declined to play in the friendly match against Portugal in order to avoid taking unneeded risks.
But Peseiro has now moved to set the records straight.
“The doctor from Napoli sent a report to our (Nigerian team) doctor that after the match (against Udinese), Osimhen felt pain in his back. And that he needs between 10 and 15 days to recover.
“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.
“I’m not happy about that. But now I don’t think about Victor Osimhen. For me, more important is the players I have here,” Peseiro said.
Osimhen has not played in any of the three friendly matches – Ecuador, Mexico, Algeria – that the Super Eagles have played under Jose Peseiro.