- Why Osimhen Was Substituted Early Against DR Congo – Eric Chelle.
- DR Congo players admitted his absence shifted momentum their way.
- Nigeria fell on penalties and missed the intercontinental playoffs.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that Victor Osimhen was taken off at half-time due to an injury during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff defeat to DR Congo in Rabat on Sunday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Osimhen, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most influential attacking player, did not return for the second half despite the high stakes of the encounter. Chelle replaced him with Akor Adams, a switch that immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes, with Mechak Elia cancelling Frank Onyeka’s early opener, before DR Congo edged the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties to reach the intercontinental playoffs.
As Chelle exited the stadium after the match, a reporter asked for clarity on why the team’s talisman was withdrawn so early. His response was brief but revealing. “He has an injury,” the coach said, without providing additional information on the severity.
Osimhen’s absence was also noted by DR Congo players. Defender Noah Sadiki admitted that the striker’s injury shifted momentum in favour of his team, acknowledging Osimhen’s threat in front of goal.
“It helps. We know that Osimhen is a big player. They have other qualities in front,” Sadiki said. “We knew he was their star player, and if he was out, it would be a bit easier, and we practised penalties.”
Nigeria struggled to reassert control after the substitution, and DR Congo held firm through extra time before sealing victory in the shootout. The Congolese side will now compete in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
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