According to a report by Soccernet on Monday, November 17, 2025, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has provided a clear explanation regarding Victor Osimhen’s substitution in the World Cup playoff encounter against DR Congo.
The Galatasaray forward, who had played a major role in the previous round against Gabon, did not continue after halftime, with Akor Adams stepping in for the remainder of the match.
Chelle addressed widespread speculation that the decision stemmed from a disagreement during the break. He stated that Osimhen had suffered a physical setback that made it unsafe for him to continue. Visuals that emerged after the game showed the striker limping, reinforcing the medical concerns that influenced the coaching staff’s decision.
Prior to this clarification, several online rumours had linked the substitution to frustration surrounding a missed attacking opportunity in the first half, suggesting that the moment created tension in the dressing room. These claims, however, remained unverified and were overshadowed by the coach’s confirmation that the change was strictly injury-related.
Without Osimhen leading the attack, Nigeria found it difficult to sustain pressure or create meaningful chances. The team struggled to progress the ball effectively, and DR Congo gained increasing control as the match entered extra time. The contest ultimately went to penalties, where Nigeria’s missed attempts proved decisive in a 6–5 defeat after a 1–1 draw.
Chelle also commented on the chaotic scenes that followed the final whistle, noting that repeated unusual gestures from a DR Congo staff member during the shootout contributed to mounting tension and frustration around Nigeria’s elimination from the qualification series.
