Victor Osimhen scare for Nigeria! Napoli striker emerges as doubt for AFCON semi-final against South Africa after missing flight due to 'abdominal discomfort'

The Napoli talisman has started all of the Super Eagles' five Africa Cup of Nations matches, scoring and assisting once, but was stretchered off in stoppage time of their 1-0 win over Angola in the quarter-finals. A statement from Nigeria has now offered an update and revealed Osimhen missed the team's flight to Bouake on Monday due to "abdominal discomfort", and that he will be assessed again on Tuesday before a decision is made, per The Athletic. Nigeria face South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday evening.

The statement read: "Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouake today via a 10pm Air Cote D'Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5pm."

Despite not being on the red-hot form associated with Napoli's Scudetto-winning run last term, Osimhen is still a vital part of Nigeria's set-up. The 25-year-old has 27 international caps to his name as well as a wealth of experience on the Italian and European stages. His absence would be sorely felt but the Super Eagles would be able to partly rely on the likes of Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta forward has dazzled in Cote d'Ivore with three goals and an assist already this tournament.

Nigeria have won AFCON three times in their history and last tasted continental glory in 2013, when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.

Nigeria currently sit 42nd in the FIFA rankings, 24 places above Wednesday's opponents South Africa. They will be quietly confident of securing a first AFCON final spot in 11 years, although will be dealt a hammer blow if Osimhen is not deemed fit enough to feature.