Napoli will be without the services of Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen for their pre season clash against Girona, OwnGoalNigeria.comreports.
Osimhen won’t be on the bench for the clash against the Spanish side after starring in their previous three games in preparation for the defence of their Italian Serie A title.
His absence is however not connected to reports of interest in his services from Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, who are willing to pay him an offer of around €1m a week but so far their bid has twice been rejected from Napoli.
According to Napoli, Osimhen will sit out the game due to an adductor muscle issue that was triggered by fatigue and was asked to take some rest. He wasn’t listed on the bench as well.
However Napoli still lined up two Nigerians in the starting lineup in the duo of Michael Folorunsho and Edward Obarentin. Both players haven’t played for Italy at any level making them eligible to play for Nigeria as early as when the team play their next game, which is a dead rubber AFCON qualifiers game against Sao Tome and Principe.
Nigeria have already sealed a spot at the tournament which will be taking place in Cote d’Ivoire next year, making the game in September a formality hence the coach will have the luxury of trying new players.
Obarentin is a 20 year old centre back who is also comfortable as left back. He joined the team last year from AC Milan and made his way from the U19 to the first team in time for pre season. Folorunsho is a central midfielder who has been on their books for three years since his move from Lazio.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
