Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have responded to Victor Osimhen’s visible frustration after he was substituted during the Super Eagles’ 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Osimhen appeared unhappy when he was withdrawn late in the Group C opener at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, exchanging words with Chelle before taking his place on the bench as Nigeria held on for the win.
The Super Eagles had taken the lead through Semi Ajayi before Tanzania equalised via Charles M’Mombwa. Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s advantage just two minutes later with the decisive goal.
Photo Credit: Imago
Despite the victory, Osimhen endured a difficult night in front of goal. Nigeria’s most valuable player and second-highest goalscorer of all time missed several chances, had one effort cleared off the line and later saw a goal ruled out for offside.
Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025 Fes, Morocco. 23rd Dec, 2025. Victor Osimhen Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025. Credit: Victor Modo
He was also involved in Nigeria’s best attacking move, providing a smart chested assist for Lookman, whose powerful strike was tipped over by the Tanzanian goalkeeper.
With Nigeria struggling to close out the game, Chelle opted to replace Osimhen with Paul Onuachu five minutes from time a decision that triggered the striker’s reaction.
Speaking after the match, captain Wilfred Ndidi sought to play down the incident, describing Osimhen’s frustration as a natural response.
“I didn’t see that but it is what it is, he is a big player, he wants to do the best for the team, maybe a bit frustrated,” Ndidi said.
“It’s normal, we are human beings, maybe he feels like the game didn’t go his way because he was trying for the team, that’s the kind of player he is, we needed him.
“So, I think he is kind of putting too much pressure on himself. I am going to speak to him, he is a great guy, he wants to win, everyone wants to win.”
Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025 Fes, Morocco. 23rd Dec, 2025. Nigeria vs Tanzania, African Cup of Nations 2025. Credit: Victor Modo
Head coach Eric Chelle also addressed the situation, choosing to focus on the overall performance while admitting improvements are needed.
“We have to analyse this win because in the first half we did a lot of good things, we created a lot of chances to score,” Chelle said.
“In the second half, we gave Tanzania the chance to come back into the game with two mistakes.
“We are satisfied with the three points. That is the most important. For the moment, I want to focus on the positives.
Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Poojamedia
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“The second part of the game shows clearly that there is still some work to be done, especially when it comes to killing the game.
“We are aware of this, and we will work on it. We are happy to win, and the most important thing at AFCON is to improve in every game.”
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Nigeria sit second in Group C behind Tunisia, who beat Uganda 3–1. The Super Eagles face the Carthage Eagles on 27 December in a match expected to provide a clearer test of their title credentials.
