Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo is hoping that Victor Osimhen will recover in time to lead Nigeria’s attack at the forthcomiong Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon as he will be ‘needed’ at the tournament.
Napoli forward Osimhen suffered a serious injury to his eye socket after collision with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar earlier this month.
The 22-year-old required surgery, including six plates in his face, after his eye came out of its socket in the clash.
Tidesports source reports that Osimhen was ruled out of action for the next three months, which would include the AFCON.
But Ighalo, who recently returned to the international fold after an early retirement, says he is hoping for a miracle to see the youngster in Cameroon.
“I spoke to him after his surgery to wish him well, and to tell him that this is one of those things that happen,” Ighalo said.
“I am praying by God’s grace for him to recover. We need Osimhen at the Nations Cup.
“He is young, he is a fighter and he will come back stronger than before and make it to the AFCON. We will see him there doing well as he has been doing because this is his time and he needs to shine.”
It would be recalled that the 32-year-old announced his retirement from international football the day after helping Nigeria claim bronze at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, but found himself running out in green and white again as the team battled to a nervy 1-1 draw against Cape Verde last month.