AFCON 2023: CAF Reportedly Picks Osimhen for Drug Test Following Superb Performance

• CAF wants to know the driving force behind Nigerian football star Victor Osimhen on the field
• This reportedly comes after the Super Eagles game against Guinea-Bissau, which Nigeria won by 1:0
• Contrary to earlier reports, the test occurred after the Super Eagles game against Guinea-Bissau, not following the 2-0 win over Cameroon on January 27

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Ivory Coast - The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly picked Nigerian international player Victor Osimhen for a random drug test after his sterling performance against Guinea-Bissau at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire.

Why CAF initiated a test for Osimhen

Osimhen had a superb performance in the Super Eagles' 1:0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.

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His tireless display and energetic pace have reportedly attracted the attention of CAF, leading to his being picked for a random test, according to Soccernet.

Usually, players are picked by drawing of lot. However, a player can also be picked randomly if they notice any unusual behaviour.

DW Africa also reported that Osimhen was tested but the test turned out negative.

Fact-check about Osimhen's drug test

Some reports circulating on social media platforms claimed Osimhen had undergone the random dope test conducted by the anti-doping department after Nigeria's 2:0 victory against Cameroon.

However, the Nigerian international underwent the test following the match against Guinea-Bissau, not Cameroon.

Nigerians react as CAF picks Osimhen for random drug test

Meanwhile, Nigerians have taken to Facebook to react to the development. Legit.ng captured some of their reactions below.

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Fabulouz Boon Akpobaro wrote:

"Honestly they need to run drug test because the energy too much and I’m very sure it’s natural no drugs…. So Caf loss."

Orisa Oluwagbenga Olushola said:

"Drogba say dem need to run test on Osimhen sey he dey pursue opponent as if sey dem thief him property."

Israel Iheanyi Didia suggested:

"NFF stand up and defend Victor."

Sunday Sop Uwaegbuobi said:

"The thing dey shock them."

Cameroon Coach reveals why they lost to Nigeria

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Rigobert Song, the coach of Cameroon's Indomitable Lions, attributed his team's 0-2 loss to Nigeria in the current Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast to sheer bad luck.

He stated that his team was better in the encounter but could not be clinical in front of goal.

Song, in a post-match briefing with the press, said:

“They were not better than us, they just used their chances and we were affected by our inexperience and not doing what we are supposed to do."

Source: Legit.ng