Victor Osimhen has yet to resume pre-season preparations with French Ligue 1 club Lille as he is still Nigeria and can’t go back to France due to travel restrictions in his home country.

The Nigeria international was granted compassionate leave to attend the burial of his father and was expected to return to France this week but he’s stranded in Nigeria because the borders are closed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking to reporters at Friday’s press conference, Lille coach Christophe Galtier explained why his top scorer last season has been absent from training.

The 53-year-old said : “No, he did not come back from Nigeria. He had to arrive today. But he is blocked by the health crisis because the borders are closed “.

Sport Business Magazine reports that Lille are prepared to send a private jet to bring back Osimhen but the player and his entourage are yet to receive the green light from the Nigerian authorities.

Lille have lined up friendlies in Mouscron and Bruges as part of their preparations for the new season, and are also in talks with Kortrijk and Anderlecht for two other meetings on July 31st and August 1st respectively.

Soka25east.com