Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen returned for the first time since suffering a cheekbone and orbital fracture in Napoli’s Serie A clash against Inter Milan last month.
The 22-year-old was dealt an injury blow after colliding with Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar. He subsequently underwent successful surgery and was expected to be out for three months.
However, Osimhen has returned quicker than expected - only three weeks after the surgery – and was spotted on the training pitch for the first time since the injury on Wednesday afternoon.
In a picture posted on Napoli’s Twitter account, Osimhen was spotted wearing a hoodie mask as protection while working with the ball.
🔙 @victorosimhen9 👋💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/X6gNyeU8Xk— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) December 8, 2021
The player himself also announced his return to training, while thanking all the medical personnel involved on his road to recovery.
Special mention to the medical staffs of @sscnapoli and Gianpaolo tartaro (THE SURGEON) God bless y’all❤️— victor osimhen (@victorosimhen9) December 8, 2021
The latest development comes as a huge boost for Nigeria ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Cameroon on January 9.
Osimhen was initially expected to miss out on the competition, but with his return to training, he stands a chance of representing Nigeria at the continental showpiece.
It remains to be seen when he would resume contact training but that did not stop fans from showing their excitement at his swift recovery from injury.
Nigerian fans in particular were overly excited at the return of their star forward and we take a look at some of the best reactions from social media.
Victor Osimhen is back in training today! We are going to see our star boy play at the AFCON 🙏— Bhadoosky (@BhadmusAkeem) December 8, 2021
Come On 🚀 Victor Osimhen Is Back and Stronger 🇳🇬🦾#SoarSuperEagles #SportPremi pic.twitter.com/qMwx5cAQS3— SportPremi (@SportPremi) December 8, 2021
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen resumes personal training in Napoli.Just in time for the #AFCON tournament billed for Cameroon on January.He's back 🤛🇳🇬❤️ pic.twitter.com/1CKbNJsylP— G.insua (@insua00) December 8, 2021
Victor Osimhen back in Training for Napoli 💪🏼 🇳🇬 🦅 Training alone for the first time since picking up an eye and cheek bone injury against Inter Milan WE WHAT!? WE MOVVVVVEEEE!!! pic.twitter.com/M7z0hoY8MJ— Football Fans Tribe 🇳🇬 ⚽ (@FansTribeHQ) December 8, 2021
That video of Victor Osimhen returning to individual training gladdens my heart. Welcome back.— Oh' Kelvin (@kelvinekerete) December 8, 2021
Star boy Victor Osimhen is back in training 😎💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/qQijGi0mgN— Naija Football Talk ⚽️ (@NaijaFT_tweet) December 8, 2021
Surely, something that should cheer Nigerian fans...Victor Osimhen is back! Just one month before the commencement of #AFCON2022, the Super Eagles striker has returned to training ahead of schedule after undergoing surgery last month. 🇳🇬🇳🇬pic.twitter.com/UkDIONmyhM— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) December 8, 2021
Victor Osimhen 🔙 in training already? @victorosimhen9 😱🔥👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/HMNE7AzLLy— Betting Tips Man (@BettingTipsMan) December 8, 2021
Victor Osimhen is back in individual training for Napoli after his facial surgery.Serie A and AFCON defenders have been warned⚠️ pic.twitter.com/z3GtiaBbkF— The Football Castle (@Footiecastle) December 8, 2021
VICTOR OSIMHEN Officially Returns to Napoli Training TODAY after doctors gave him the go ahead!! Hearing he might be in Napoli squad for the Weekend!! Pictures coming up 🚀!! StarBoy ⭐️ is Back! pic.twitter.com/jK4BvGNGKp— Laba Laba Master 🦋🦋🦋 (@Buchi_Laba) December 8, 2021
Osimhen is back to light training for Napoli. Lion always comes back as a Lion. Good news #OsimhenLion pic.twitter.com/asvPtwZdjU— POOJA... (@PoojaMedia) December 8, 2021