S/Leone vs Nigeria: Napoli icon Osimhen missing as 19 Super Eagles train in Lagos

SSC Napoli hero Victor Napoli was amongst the players still expected as the Super Eagles kicked off training for the crucial AFCO qualifier this weekend.

Pulse Sports Nigeria spotted 21 players, with 19 participating in the team’s first training session at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Monday.

Osimhen is expected to lead the Eagles as they look to seal qualification to next year’s AFCON to be hosted in Cote d’Ivoire.

The 24-year-old and defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, Nigeria’s hero the last time against Guinea-Bissau and two others were the only players who missed the training out of 23 invited.

Osimhen has become a hero in Naples after leading his club Napoli to a historic first Serie A title in 33 years.

He scored 26 goals last season en route becoming the first African to win the striker of the season in Serie A history.

With the Super Eagles looking to wrap up a ticket to AFCON 2023 this weekend, Nigerians hope to see Osimhen replicate some of his club form against Sierra Leone on Sunday.

Meanwhile, two players were not a part of the training session at the Johnson Arena.

NPFL duo of Chidiebere Duru and Divine Nwachukw, who just earned his maiden call-up, were spotted on their own.

Both players were seen recovering with ice baths and simple warm-ups after taking part in the last day of the NPFL Super 6 at the same venue 24 hours earlier.