Club v country row: Napoli want Osimhen to skip Black Stars, Les Aigles friendlies; in contact with NFF

A row is brewing between reigning Serie A champions Napoli and the Nigeria Football Federation over the possibility of star striker Victor Osimhen skipping the Super Eagles upcoming friendly matches against Ghana's Black Stars and Mali's Eagles. 

The Napoli superstar is one of nine forwards named on a 27-man roster that was unveiled nine days ago.

According to Radio Marte, via Area Napoli, Napoli higher-ups would have started talks with the powers that be at the Nigeria Football Federation to prevent Osimhen from joining Nigeria's squad for the upcoming friendly matches.

Osimhen remained on the bench throughout Napoli's crucial Serie A encounter against Inter Milan on Sunday, with Blues coach
Francesco Calzona disclosing prior to the match that the number 9 is still battling to recover from a previous injury.

Napoli plan to prevent the reigning African Footballer of the Year from linking up with his international teammates in Morocco, allowing him to stay in Castel Volturno for two weeks to focus on his recovery, with the hope that his condition will improve during the international break.

The rule for friendly matches differs from that of competitive matches as it is not necessary for Osimhen to respond to the Nigeria invitation and be examined by the Super Eagles medical team.

Napoli are now awaiting official communication from the Nigerian Federation to ascertain whether the 25-year-old will be removed from the roster. 

Since Osimhen's return to Naples after representing Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, he has registered five goals and an assist across six matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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