Why Osimhen Was Substituted at Half-Time Against DR Congo
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has explained that Victor Osimhen was taken off at half-time due to injury, dismissing widespread rumours of a dressing-room dispute during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff final defeat to DR Congo.
Osimhen, who scored twice in the semi-final win over Gabon, did not return for the second half in Rabat. He was replaced by Sevilla striker Akor Adams, a change that immediately triggered speculation on social media. Some online claims suggested the Galatasaray forward had clashed with teammates or staff during the interval.
Chelle, however, provided a clear and brief response when asked about the decision after the match.
“He had an injury,” the Super Eagles coach said, refusing to give further details on the type or severity of the problem.
Reports online had alleged that Osimhen was unhappy about a first-half cutback involving Ademola Lookman — a move many fans felt should have been finished by Samuel Chukwueze or Wilfred Ndidi. These rumours remain unproven, and Chelle made no mention of them in his comments.
Without their main striker, Nigeria found it difficult to keep possession and create meaningful attacks. DR Congo grew stronger, equalising before half-time through Meschack Elia and controlling large parts of the second half and extra time. Stanley Nwabali was forced into several key saves to keep the Super Eagles in the contest.
After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, Nigeria were eventually beaten 4-3 on penalties, bringing their bid to reach next year’s intercontinental playoffs to an end.
