Chelle Reveals Why Osimhen Was Substituted as Nigeria Fell to DR Congo in World Cup Playoff Final
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained the reason behind his surprising decision to substitute star striker Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff final defeat to DR Congo on Sunday.
Osimhen, who is widely regarded as Nigeria’s biggest attacking weapon, did not return for the second half of the tense encounter in Rabat, Morocco. Instead, Chelle introduced Akor Adams as the match dragged into extra time and eventually ended 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Frank Onyeka opened scoring for the Super Eagles early in the game, before Mechak Elia struck for DR Congo to force extra time. The Leopards ultimately prevailed 4-3 on penalties, securing their place in the 2026 Intercontinental Playoffs.
When asked after the match why Osimhen—clearly a player built for big moments—was taken off, Chelle offered a brief but revealing answer:
“He has an injury.”
His response confirms weeks of speculation about Osimhen’s fitness and puts to rest questions about whether the decision was tactical or enforced.
Interestingly, DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki admitted that Osimhen’s injury gave the Leopards a significant advantage.
According to Sadiki:
“We knew he was their star player. If he was out, it would be easier.”
Opinion: Nigeria’s Dependence on Osimhen Is Becoming a Dangerous Pattern
Chelle’s explanation might sound straightforward, but it exposes a deeper issue within Nigerian football:
the Super Eagles still rely too heavily on Victor Osimhen to bail them out.
Take Osimhen out of the frontline, and Nigeria suddenly loses:
urgency
direction
confidence
attacking structure
This is not a criticism of the players—it is a system problem.
A country blessed with attacking depth should not collapse because one man is injured. DR Congo saw Osimhen off, and instantly:
their defenders relaxed
they controlled the midfield better
their confidence grew
they pushed forward with more daring
Sadiki wasn’t wrong to say Osimhen’s absence “helped” them. It absolutely did.
But the worrying part is this:
Nigeria had no Plan B.
Akor Adams worked hard, but he was isolated. The midfield lost shape. The wings became predictable. And by the time the match reached penalties, the psychological advantage had completely shifted.
For a nation with Nigeria’s football pedigree, this shouldn’t be happening.
If the Super Eagles must return to global relevance, they need:
a tactical identity
a system that creates chances with or without Osimhen
players chosen on merit, not name
a deeper bench prepared for high-pressure moments
As DR Congo celebrates a well-earned ticket to the intercontinental playoffs, Nigeria is left with the same old bitter lesson:
A team that depends on one superstar is not a team ready for the World Cup.
