Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle has confirmed that he yanked Victor Osimhen off at half time of Sunday’s African final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-offs against DR Congo because the Galatasaray of Turkey striker was injured.
Sports247 reports that Nigerian fans were left mouths agape at the start of the second half, when they noticed that Osimhen was not stepping out with the team and everyone feared a dip in form for the Eagles.
Read Also: How Football Reshaped Modern Media Connections
The initial suggestion was that Osimhen had been dropped due to disciplinary issues in the Eagles’ dressing room, but those were ruled out later in the day, but the question became which type of injury did he cop.
Some reports indicated that Osimhen was forced out by stomach discomfort, while others cited a scratch in the face he suffered early in the game that required a long spell of treatment.
However, Chelle has disclosed that Osimhen had to be replaced due to injury in his leg and the tactician went on to accuse DR Congo of using juju during the resultant penalties’ shootout.
Chelle disclosed: “Osimhen was substituted at half time due to discomfort he felt behind his leg. During all of the penalties, the players of Congo were doing some voodoo.
“During the penalty decision, a guy of Congo did some voodoo … every time, every time, every time. So, that was why I was a little nervous (and I went) after him. (I saw) something like that. You know, with the … I don’t know if it was water or something like that.”
With the African playoffs now over and Nigeria out of the intercontinental race, Chelle will now turn his attention towards the Africa Cup of Nations, where his team has been drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
The competition will hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026; with Nigeria’s first match coming up at Fez Stadium against Tanzania on December 23rd.
