According to Complete Sports, the 22-year-old cited health reasons for his decision to stay away from the continental showpiece.

"Osimhen is out of AFCON. The coach has released him as a result of his club Napoli's request and he (Osimhen) plea to opt out due to his health condition.

"We shall miss him, but his health is more important," a source revealed.

It is believed that either Akinkunmi Amoo of Hammarby or Lorient forward, Terem Moffi, will replace Osimhen in the 28-man list.

Osimhen is currently battling with COVID-19 for the second time within a year, while recovering from facial surgery.