Osimhen: I’m ready for Liberia
Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen says he is ready for the second leg World Cup qualifying clash against the Lone Stars of Liberia at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Morocco on Saturday, November 13.
The 22-year-old striker, who is Group C’s joint-leading scorer alongside Kelechi Iheanacho and Cape Verde’s Julio Tavares with two goals each, after four rounds of matches, told NFF.tv at the Super Eagles training camp in Tangier that national assignment is top of his career’s priority.
“To give my all for my country is one of the most important things in my career and I’m ready, come this Saturday,” he said.
The Napoli forward revealed he was excited after a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, revealed the knock he sustained just before the commencement of the international window was not serious.
“I felt good after the MRI scan showed that it was nothing serious, I rested for a few days before I played [against Hellas Verona] on Sunday.
Osimhen was a huge doubt for the Qatar 2022 World qualifier matchday five and six ties, after sustaining a sore calf in the Serie A game against AS Roma on October 24.
He featured in the next game against Bologna, but Napoli medical staff, however, decided to stop him from training, when he felt pain during morning practice.
The former Lille and Sporting Charleroi striker missed two games, as Napoli decided to rest him for a week, before returning against Hellas Verona at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday, November 7.
The fox-in-the-box striker, whose nine goals for Napoli in Serie A and Europa League this season, have all originated from the 18-yard box, also welcomes the return of Odion Ighalo – who recently reversed his retirement from international football – in the national team set up.
“It’s good for the team, he is like a big brother to me, and I learn a lot from him.
“The coach and the federation (NFF) know what’s best for the team and we all have the common goal to qualify for World Cup and to do well at the Nations Cup,” he concluded.
Nigeria leads Group C with 9 points, two points clear of Cape Verde, who will be locking horns simultaneously with third-placed Central African Republic in Bangui.
Cape Verde will travel to Lagos three days later to set up a potential showdown at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, for Group C’s sole ticket to the final qualification stage, depending on the outcome of the matchday five fixtures.
The Super Eagles game against Liberia will kick off by 5:00 pm and will stream live on NFF.tv Facebook page and YouTube channel.