BREAKING: Napoli Announce Osimhen Tests Positive For COVID 10-Days To AFCON

Napoli have announced that Victor Osimhen has tested positive for COVID-19 just ten-days before the 2021 Africa Cup Of Nations Tournament in Cameroon.

The news comes as a huge blow to the Nigerian football fans after Osimhen have been included in the Super Eagles 28-man squad list for the biennial tournament set to begin 9th January, 2022.

Osimhen is asymptomatic and has begun a period of self-isolation, Napoli confirmed on their official website on Thursday afternoon.

“SSC Napoli have announced that Victor Osimhen has tested positive for Covid-19 but is asymptomatic. Dr. Tartaro was due to perform a check-up on the player tomorrow,” reads a statement from the Series A side.

“Consequently, the local authorities have ordered that Osimhen self-isolate and the check-up will be rescheduled after he has tested negative and his period of isolation ends.”

This is the second time within the space of one-year that Osimhen would be testing positive for COVID, he had tested positive on Junuary 1, 2021 when he returned to Nigeria to celebrate his birthday.

The 23-year-old had been initially ruled out for three months, but had he received the green light from doctors to wear a protective mask while playing in the AFCON.

He was expected to return to action in three months after that disturbing clash of heads with defender Milan Skriniar during their Serie A away game against Inter Milan on November 23.

Nonetheless, he returned to the squad with just 16 days on the sidelines - training with a custom carbon mask to protect his face.

Osimhen also dispelled any concerns over his fitness via his Twitter handle, claiming he is fit for the tournament.

"I will be available for Afcon at 100% unless I am not among the players picked to represent Nigeria," he wrote.

Osimhen is now expected to miss out of action for the three times African champions’ opening Group D fixtures against Egypt (January 11) and Sudan (January 15) at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.