Osimhen, Onuachu, Ezekiel Stranded Over COVID-19

Super Eagles stars, Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu and Imoh Ezekiel are stranded in Nigeria following the closure of the countries airspace.

Osimhen, who buried his father on June 23 in Lagos, has not been granted approval by the Federal Ministry of Aviation to travel back to his base in France as the Nigerian airspace remains closed due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country.

Lille is now set to send a private jet to bring back Osimhen to France in time for Les Dogues’ pre-season training.

Speaking to reporters at Friday’s press conference, Lille manager, Christophe Galtier, voiced his frustrations at the club’s inability to have their striker back.

“No, he (Osimhen) did not come back from Nigeria. He was to arrive on Friday (yesterday). But he was blocked by the health crisis because the borders are closed.”

Osimhen is expected to fly out to France next week, along with his national teammates Onuachu and Ezekiel, who arrived Lagos with him aboard a private aircraft last month.

Belgian side Genk has started preparation for the new season with Onuachu conspicuously missing.

“Genk were prepared to send a private aircraft to pick him (Onuachu) back to base but the plane will pick players from Abidjan before the flight stops over in Lagos for Onuachu,” a close source to the player told Saturday PUNCH.