Nigeria handed major Victor Osimhen boost for last 16 after clear AFCON risk | OneFootball

Super Eagles don’t live to regret gamble taken with star striker against Uganda at Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria have been handed a boost over Victor Osimhen after taking what appeared to be a sizable risk at the Africa Cup of Nations.

It was a relatively quiet performance from the Galatasaray frontman as Nigeria ran out 3-1 winners to maintain their 100 per cent start in Morocco and send Uganda home early, with a first-half goal from Paul Onuachu followed by a quick-fire second-half brace courtesy of Raphael Onyedika.

Uganda grabbed a late consolation effort through Rogers Mato, having also seen goalkeeper Salim Magoola - a half-time replacement for injured captain Denis Onyango - sent off for handling an Osimhen shot outside his penalty area.

Many Nigeria fans were surprised to see Osimhen start and play for so long against Uganda, particularly given that he was one of three players - along with first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, both of whom did not play on Tuesday - who received treatment for a minor knock sustained in the win over Tunisia.

Riskier still was the fact that Osimhen was one of four Nigeria players who were one yellow card away from being suspended for their game in the last 16, which will come against the third-place finishers in Group F - likely Cameroon or Mozambique - in Fez next Monday night (January 5).

The others - Nwabali, Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman - did not play against Uganda. Two yellow cards during the group stage leads to an automatic one-match ban at AFCON, with cautions wiped ahead of the last 16.

Nigeria’s only player booked against Uganda - Fulham defender Bassey - made way for Chidozie Awaziem at half-time to ensure that he did not run the risk of a second yellow.

Chelle’s calculated gamble ultimately paid off as he sought to maintain strong momentum and keep Osimhen fit and firing, with his attacking talisman avoiding a yellow card and not appearing to sustain any injury setback.

However, Nigeria debutant Ryan Alebiosu was taken to hospital for treatment on a deep cut suffered to his leg late on against Uganda that leaves his status for the remainder of AFCON uncertain, while striker Cyriel Dessers is also set for a scan on a thigh problem.