Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that striker Victor Osimhen was substituted due to injury during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff final defeat to DR Congo on Sunday.

Chelle replaced Osimhen with Akor Adams at half-time in the tense encounter, which ended 1-1 after 120 minutes before Nigeria lost 4-3 on penalties in Rabat, Morocco. Frank Onyeka had given Nigeria an early lead before Meschack Elia equalised for the Congolese side.

When asked by a reporter after the match why Osimhen did not return for the second half, Chelle responded briefly while leaving the stadium, saying, “He has an injury.”

DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki later suggested that Osimhen’s absence benefited his team, describing the striker’s injury as a turning point that worked in their favour.

With the victory, DR Congo sealed Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoffs taking place in March 2026, where six nations will battle for the remaining two spots at the 2026 World Cup.