Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has insisted that Victor Osimhen was withdrawn due to injury, shutting down rumours of a halftime confrontation during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff final defeat to DR Congo.
Osimhen, who had scored twice in the semi-final victory over Gabon, was replaced at the start of the second half in Rabat by Sevilla forward Akor Adams.
The decision immediately led to speculation across social media, with claims suggesting the Galatasaray striker had clashed with teammates or staff in the dressing room.
Speaking after the match, Chelle offered a short but firm explanation when questioned by journalists.
“He had an injury,” the Super Eagles coach said, declining to elaborate on the nature or extent of the problem.
Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
The online rumour had alleged that Osimhen’s frustration over a first-half cutback involving Ademola Lookman, a chance many believed should have been converted by Samuel Chukwueze or Wilfred Ndidi had sparked tension at the interval.
Those claims remain unverified, and Chelle made no reference to them in his post-match comments.
Nigeria struggled to retain possession and build attacking phases without their leading forward, and DR Congo grew stronger as the match progressed.
The Leopards equalised before the break through Meschack Elia and dominated long stretches of the second half and extra time, forcing Stanley Nwabali into several saves.
Eric Chelle and Victor Osimhen.Photo Credit: Poojamedia
After a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, the match was decided on penalties. Nigeria were beaten 6-5 in the shootout, ending their bid to reach next year’s intercontinental playoffs.
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Chelle later revealed that his frustration at full-time stemmed from the conduct of a DR Congo official during the shootout.
The Nigeria coach claimed the staff member repeatedly performed “voodoo-like” gestures as players stepped up to take their kicks, an incident that sparked a heated clash between both benches after the decisive penalty.
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The defeat capped a chaotic end to the Super Eagles’ campaign, with Chelle now facing questions over injuries, substitutions, discipline and the team’s failure to take control of the final.
