VICTOR Osimhen has tested negative for Covid-19 and is on his way back to Italy from Nigeria, according to his club Napoli.
The Super Eagles striker has been isolating in Nigeria after he tested positive for the virus just hours before his departure for Italy over a week ago.
He had been scheduled to go to Italy for an assessment of his recovery from surgery on his facial injuries, and possibly get medical clearance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, the positive Covid-19 result scuppered the plans and he had to stay back in Nigeria for several more days.
The 23-year-old was then withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for the AFCON, which starts in Cameroon on Sunday.
Now, just two days to Nigeria’s opening AFCON match against Egypt, Napoli have announced that Osimhen is free of the virus.
“@victorosimhen9 has tested negative for Covid-19. He will return to Italy in the coming hours,” Napoli tweeted on Sunday.
The striker, who has scored nine goals in 17 appearances for Napoli this season, will continue his recovery in Italy from facial fractures he suffered in a Serie A match in November.
Before Serie A’s winter break Osimhen had been training with Napoli wearing a protective facemask and awaiting the green light to return to action earlier than expected, after initially being ruled out for three months.
The lanky striker is a big miss for Nigeria, having scored in each of their last five fixtures.
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