New controversy as Oshimhen again tests positive to COVID-19

There is controversy regarding the participation of Nigerian striker Victor Oshimhen at the 2022 AFCON in Cameroun.

This is because the 23-year old has reportedly tested positive for a second time to COVID-19.

Oshimhen’s Italian club side SSC Napoli announced this in a statement released on Thursday.

“Victor Osimhen has tested positive for Covid-19 but is asymptomatic. Dr. Tartaro was due to perform a check-up on the player tomorrow,” Napoli said.

“Consequently, the local authorities have ordered that Osimhen self-isolate and the check-up will be rescheduled after he has tested negative and his period of isolation ends.”

This announcement throws up more controversy as Napoli has been very reluctant to allow the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup winner lead Nigeria’s quest for AFCON glory next January.

This followed his horrific facial injury in November that required surgery.

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Although Napoli had initially said he would need at least three months to recover, Oshimhen resumed training this month.

In fact, he spent his Christmas holidays in Nigeria where he celebrated his birthday.

How the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and Napoli resolve the looming log-jam leaves a lot to be desired.

Mazino/SSC Napoli