Victor Osimhen, Super Eagles striker, is set to miss the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year.
He has been ruled out of action for three months after undergoing surgery on his cheekbone and eye socket following an injury sustained in a football match over the weekend.
His club side, Serie A leaders Napoli disclosed this in a statement released on their official website on Tuesday.
The statement read, “On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present.
“Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation.
“The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.
“Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”
The Nigeria international suffered the injury in Napoli’s 3-2 loss to champions Inter Milan at the San Siro after colliding with Inter defender Milan Skriniar on Sunday.
READ ALSO: Aisha Buhari, Edo Dep. Gov. Shuaibu, others bag AAU Sports Award
He was taken to the hospital immediately after leaving the pitch and was discharged on Monday after being diagnosed with an orbital and cheekbone injury with the striker scheduled to go into surgery today.
The 22-year-old has been Nigeria’s first-choice striker since 2019 after the retirement of Odion Ighalo. He has been in good form for the national team scoring four goals in their Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying Group C.
Osimhen walked off in the 55th minute of the encounter between Luciano Spalletti’s men and the Nerazzurri following a clash of heads with Milan Skriniar.
