Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, has claimed that Rwanda deliberately set out to neutralize Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat, Victor Osimhen, during Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Osimhen, who started brightly and caused Rwanda’s backline all sorts of problems, was forced off in the first half following a heavy challenge. He was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, as Nigeria battled their way to victory courtesy of a slim margin.

While Nigerian coach Eric Chelle had earlier expressed uncertainty about Osimhen’s availability for the next game, fresh reports now confirm that the Galatasaray striker has been ruled out of Tuesday’s crucial clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Siasia, speaking on SuperSport, suggested Rwanda’s physical approach was intentional:

“Of course, they knew exactly what they were doing. He was causing them a lot of problems so they had to take him out.
It was how the Rwandans wanted to play. So that was a very good game plan for them.”

Opinion

Losing Victor Osimhen ahead of a pivotal tie with Bafana Bafana is nothing short of a hammer blow for Nigeria. Osimhen isn’t just the Super Eagles’ poster boy; he’s the difference-maker, the player opposition defenders dread facing. His absence leaves a gaping hole in attack that no single replacement can truly fill.

But here’s the other side: Siasia’s comments underline a sobering reality in African football—physicality is often used as a weapon against flair players. Teams without Nigeria’s firepower sometimes resort to disruptive tactics, and sadly, it works. Rwanda executed their “plan” effectively by taking out Nigeria’s danger man, even if at the cost of fair play.

That said, this could also be a moment of reckoning for the Super Eagles. Great teams are defined not only by their stars but by how they rise when those stars are missing. Players like Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, and Terem Moffi now have the perfect chance to step out of Osimhen’s shadow and prove Nigeria’s depth.

If the Super Eagles can overcome South Africa without their talisman, it won’t just be a win—it’ll be a statement of resilience.