Why Osimhen Was Subbed in Nigeria, Congo Match – Coach Chelle

Why Osimhen Was Subbed in Nigeria, Congo Match – Coach Chelle

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that an injury to star striker Victor Osimhen was the reason for his halftime substitution during Nigeria’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the World Cup qualifying playoff final on Sunday.

The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with goals from Frank Onyeka for Nigeria and Mechak Elia for DR Congo. Osimhen, who was replaced by Akor Adams at the break, was a notable absence as the team struggled to find a winning goal in the second half.

When questioned by reporters about the decision to withdraw his key player, a departing Chelle stated simply, “He has an injury.”

The loss of Osimhen proved to be a pivotal moment in the match. DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki later acknowledged that the striker’s exit benefited his team, stating it altered the dynamic of Nigeria’s attack.

With the victory, DR Congo advances to represent Africa in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026, ending Nigeria’s dream of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Of course. Here is a detailed breakdown of how Nigeria lost the match against DR Congo and, with it, their chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

How Injury and Inefficiency Cost Nigeria Their 2026 World Cup Dream

Nigeria’s Super Eagles saw their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup brutally severed on Sunday, falling to DR Congo in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in the CAF playoff final. The defeat was a story of two halves, defined by a pivotal injury and a recurring failure to convert chances.

The critical turning point came at halftime with the score locked at 0-0. Star striker and team talisman Victor Osimhen was forced to exit the match with an injury. His replacement, Akor Adams, failed to provide the same menacing presence, and Nigeria’s attack lost its focal point and cutting edge.

The team had initially fought back with spirit after conceding first. DR Congo’s Mechak Elia broke the deadlock, putting the Leopards in the lead and pushing Nigeria to the brink. The Super Eagles responded through Frank Onyeka, who scored a crucial equalizer to level the match at 1-1 and force extra time.

However, without Osimhen, Nigeria struggled to create clear-winning chances in the additional 30 minutes. The team’s persistent wastefulness in front of goal throughout the match ultimately proved costly. Despite having periods of dominance, they could not find a winning goal, and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, the pressure proved immense. DR Congo held their nerve, converting their penalties to win the shootout and book their place in the intercontinental playoffs.

The loss means Nigeria’s World Cup dream is over for 2026. The defeat will be bitterly remembered for the “what if” surrounding Osimhen’s injury, but also as a consequence of a campaign where the team too often failed to turn possession and promise into decisive goals.