The scorer of Nigeria’s lone goal in the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea at the Africa Cup of Nations Victor Osimhen sat out the training of the team ahead of their game on Thursday against Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Preparations for the game against the host who are group leaders started in earnest with Jose Peseiro keen on his team making up for the wastefulness that led to the 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea yesterday.
22 players took part in the training session with players who played above 60 minutes and above given less tasks unlike those who played around ten to fifteen minutes. The trio of Osimhen, Alhassan Yusuf and Terem Moffi who arrived earlier today weren’t part of the session.
Osimhen we were made to understand was rested to avoid any risk of injury, while Yusuf who was subbed off due to cramps, is being protected from aggravating his muscles owing to his importance to the team after his display yesterday.
Moffi was given a rest after his long trip down. All three players are expected to be involved in full training tomorrow when they will have a full tactical session.
Paul Onuachu and Kelechi Iheanacho trained fully with the team for the first time following their late arrival before the first game. They are both in contention for Thursday’s game.
Ade Emmanuel
