When the Super Eagles of Nigeria took on the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia, everyone wanted to see how the partnership of Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface would pan out.
The duo started the Super Eagles match together for the first time, and their runout gave fans and pundits plenty to chew.
It wasn't the result the Super Eagles wanted, and worse still, Victor Osimhen pulled up with an injury, causing fears in several quarters.
Osimhen failed to score against the Saudis and did not finish the game as the Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw, thanks to an injury-time goal from the Asian side.
The Napoli star was not on target in a game that shows he has competition for his place in Boniface.
Napoli worried about Osimhen's injury
During the match, Osimhen asked to be substituted midway into the second half.
The Nigerian striker, who was not at his best, was seen conversing with the referee shortly before he was substituted.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the player met with the head of the medical staff of Napoli, who reassured him that it was only cramping.
Despite the reassurances, there are fears it could be worse than imagined and could sideline Osimhen for at least a month.
Victor Osimhen will undergo a test to determine his availability for Super Eagles next game – Jose Peseiro pic.twitter.com/JOItn0KGQz
— FAJ Sports (@FajSports) October 14, 2023
Napoli wants to be certain it is no more than cramps, and Osimhen will have further tests to clear all doubts.
Osimhen's injury precedents show that Napoli has reasons to be worried, but the medical staff believe it is not as serious as initially thought.
A lengthy injury could hamper the club's challenge for trophies this season, as the Nigerian forward is their top scorer.
Past injury for Osimhen after international break
The striker played for the Super Eagles against Guinea Bissau on March 27. The Napoli ace played 90 minutes of the African Cup of Nations qualifier.
He returned to Naples and blamed a slight problem for the adductors.
The injury was not serious, but it cost the Partenopei the services of their top striker for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at San Siro with Milan.
He has a history of injuries with Napoli, which has kept him on the sidelines for lengthy periods.
The famous injury suffered by the star was a cheekbone fracture in a league game against Inter Milan. The injury forced him to start wearing a mask and made him miss the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 weeks ago
