Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed Victor Osimhen’s surprise halftime substitution during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff loss to DR Congo stemmed from an injury. The Napoli striker, considered the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack, was replaced by Akor Adams despite the crucial nature of Sunday’s match in Rabat.
When questioned about removing his most influential forward, Chelle stated plainly: “He has an injury.” The coach offered no additional details regarding Osimhen’s condition. This unexpected change immediately drew attention from fans and analysts monitoring the high-stakes encounter.
DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki acknowledged Osimhen’s absence impacted the game’s dynamics. “It helps [Osimhen’s injury]. We know Osimhen is a big player,” Sadiki remarked post-match. “We knew he was their star player. His exit made things easier. We even practiced penalties anticipating this scenario.”
Nigeria struggled to regain offensive momentum following Osimhen’s departure. DR Congo maintained defensive resilience through extra time, securing victory and advancing to the March 2026 intercontinental playoffs. The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification hopes ended with this defeat.
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