In a thrilling encounter during the African World Cup playoff final on Sunday, Nigeria faced off against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in Rabat, resulting in a dramatic penalty shootout that saw DR Congo emerge victorious.
A key moment in the match was the halftime substitution of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, which has since drawn significant attention and sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Super Eagles’ head coach Eric Chelle made the controversial decision to replace Osimhen with Akor Adams as the teams headed into the second half tied at 1-1.
Both teams had scored through Frank Onyeka for Nigeria and Mechak Elia for DR Congo, setting the stage for a tightly contested match. However, the dynamic changed when Osimhen, who has been a pivotal player for Nigeria, was removed from the lineup.
When pressed for an explanation outside the stadium immediately after the match, Chelle provided a straightforward answer: “He has an injury.”
This statement raised concerns among Nigerian supporters, who have closely monitored Osimhen’s fitness levels leading up to this crucial match. The substitution was critical, as Osimhen’s presence on the pitch could have potentially influenced the outcome of the game.
Eric Chelle
In contrast, DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki commented on the situation, suggesting that Osimhen’s injury had offered a tactical advantage to his team. “We knew that removing such a key player would shift the momentum our way,” Sadiki stated, emphasizing how the Super Eagles would have posed a greater threat with Osimhen still in the game.
The match ultimately progressed to penalties after both teams failed to settle the score in regular time, with DR Congo triumphing in the shootout, securing their place as Africa’s representative in the upcoming intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.
The victory has injected excitement into Congolese football, as they now look forward to the opportunity to compete on a global stage.
As discussions continue regarding the implications of Osimhen’s substitution, the focus will also shift to his recovery and fitness leading into the next phase of international play. With the stakes higher than ever, fans and analysts will be eager to see how both teams progress from this pivotal moment in African football.