Posted by Samuel on Mon 17th Nov, 2025 - tori.ng
Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second term in a row after they lost 4-3 on penalties to the Congolese.
Super Eagles insider Colin Udoh has explained why the team’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, was substituted at halftime during Nigeria’s loss to DR Congo in Rabat on Sunday.
Tori News reported earlier that Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup for the second term in a row after they lost 4-3 on penalties to the Congolese.
Super Eagles supporters were shocked when Osimhen did not returm from the break and was replaced by Sevilla striker, Akor Adams.
Osimhen has been the engine room of the team in the qualifiers, scoring five goals in their last 2 games prior to yesterday’s difficult encounter.
Leopards seized control of the encounter after the Galatasaray striker left the pitch, dominating proceedings and eventually dumped Eric Chelle’s side out of the World Cup.
Udoh told ESPN that the former Napoli striker had suffered a hamstring injury.
“He was taken off at halftime. I got a call into the team and I found out that he had a hamstring problem and that’s why he was taken off at halftime.
“Whenever Osimhen has played and scored or assisted, Nigeria have never lost a game.
“The moment he went off at halftime, I just knew something was about to happen. But yeah, that’s the situation unfortunately.”
Nigeria will now focus on the preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations coming up in December.