2021 Afcon: Victor Osimhen's injury 'a blow for the national team' - Yobo

Based on injury report, Nigeria sharpshooter Victor Osimhen will not be fielding for the Super Eagles in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in cameroon.

SSC Napoli Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen lies injured during the Italian Serie A match between Inter Milan and SSC Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Inter won Napoli 3-2. Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

However, National Team assistant coach Joseph Yobo, is of the belief that Nigeria can still do well even without the Napoli striker as the country is "blessed with so many players".

The former Nigeria defender says Osimhen's absence from the continental football tournament is a "blow" to the Super Eagles' 2021 Afcon dreams.

Victor Osimhen, 22, picked up the injury when he clashed heads with Inter Milan Slovak defender Milan Skriniar during the Italian Serie A match between Inter Milan and SSC Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza which the Partenopei lost 3-2.

Osimhen was forced off the pitch and was replaced by Andrea Petagna.

From Left: Napoli Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen hustles for the ball against Inter Milan Andrea Ranocchia during the Itamina Serie A match between Inter Milan and SSC Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Inter won Napoli 3-2. Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Napoli disclosed via a statement that Victor Osimhen will be missing in action for at least three months, meaning he will be unavailable for Nigeria in Cameroon.

Yobo told goal: “It is shocking to hear that such an integral part of the national team is going to be missing the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

“He is a big player, but his health is more important. It is a blow for the national team.

“Even when he is not playing well, having someone like him on the field makes the team better because of his energy. He gives everything on the pitch.

“Honestly, it is so sad that arguably the most in-form Nigerian player will be out of Afcon. It’s a blow for the national team, it’s a blow for his club and a blow for football fans.”

SSC Napoli Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen lies injured during the Italian Serie A match between Inter Milan and SSC Napoli at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Inter won Napoli 3-2. Photo: Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

The former Everton defender further said: “However, when you look at it from the other angle, Nigeria is blessed with so many players, like [Emmanuel] Dennis, Henry [Onyekuru], [Kelechi] Iheanacho and [Paul] Onuachu – they are all different strikers in their own right.

“They are good strikers and that’s is the blessing with the Super Eagles. It is left for those that are in charge to do the right thing."