Osimhen: 9-goal striker on standby to replace Napoli icon in Super Eagles ahead Ghana and Mali clashes

Nigeria could be without the services of striker Victor Osimhen for their double-header against Ghana and Mali later this month.

Pulse Sports Nigeria can report that the prolific Napoli frontman is facing a race against time to recover from a muscle injury sustained in midweek club action ahead of the friendly matches.

Osimhen was forced to train separately from his Partenopei teammates on Friday as he targets a return for their huge Serie A clash against Inter Milan this weekend.

However, with the Super Eagles to face their West African rivals later, Osimhen's involvement is looking increasingly doubtful according to reports from the Nigerian camp.

Should Osimhen fail to shake off the injury setback, the in-form Terem Moffi could be handed a starting role up front for Nigeria.

The Nice striker has been in excellent scoring form at club level, netting twice in his side's recent 3-1 win against Lens. He would likely lead the line if Osimhen is ruled out.

With matches against Ghana and Mali to navigate in Morocco, the Super Eagles can ill-afford to be without their most potent attacking weapon as they aim to maintain their regional bragging rights.

But Moffi represents a worthy replacement for the Eagles, who are expected to still be without Bayer Leverkusen man, Victor Boniface.