AFCONQ 2023: Osimhen makes Super Eagles expanded squad
Victor Osimhen has been named in Nigeria’s expanded squad for a dead rubber 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe.
Italian champions Napoli have informed via their official website that fifteen of their players have received national team call ups, including their number 9.
According to the press release, the game between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe will hold on September 10.
Although the roster is technically a pre-selection, it is a foregone conclusion that Osimhen will be included in the final squad provided that he didn’t suffer an injury in Napoli’s 2-1 loss to Lazio on Saturday.
Osimhen, top scorer in the Serie A for 2022-2023, has picked up where he left off last season, having netted three goals in his first three games in the new season.
The 24-year-old is the leading marksman in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with seven goals to his name, two more than Senegal star Sadio Mane.
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Four of those goals came in a single game, in the reverse fixture against The Falcons and True Parrots Team on June 13, 2022.
Although Nigeria have already qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles coaching staff intend to use the game against São Tomé and Príncipe as part of their build-up for the AFCON which begins in January plus the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.