Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has shed light on the physical toll Victor Osimhen endured during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, labeling the striker a “complicated” case due to his sheer determination. Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, the Malian tactician disclosed that the Galatasaray star competed throughout the tournament in Morocco while battling a persistent hamstring issue. This revelation provides context to the performance levels of the reigning African Footballer of the Year as the Super Eagles navigated a demanding knockout schedule.
The coach detailed the grueling travel logistics that hindered the squad’s recovery process between high-stakes matches. Following a quarter-final victory over Algeria in Marrakesh, the team underwent a series of transfers through Fez and Rabat, leaving them with minimal rest before their semi-final clash against the host nation. Chelle noted that the lack of adequate recovery time significantly impacted the physical sharpness of his primary offensive players.
“After Nigeria’s quarter-final match with Algeria in Marrakesh, we traveled back to Fez before heading to Rabat to prepare for our semi-final match against Morocco, just 48 hours later,” Chelle said.
He further observed that the fatigue manifested clearly on the pitch during the decisive encounter with the Atlas Lions. The manager highlighted how the physical strain affected the team’s ability to retain the ball, pointing out that players like Akor Adams showed visible signs of exhaustion. Chelle emphasized that managing a talent like Osimhen required a delicate balance between utilizing his skills and protecting a compromised muscle.
“If you watched Nigeria’s game against Morocco, Akor [Adams] was very tired; he lost possession of the ball several times,” the coach added. “Victor [Osimhen] is complicated because people need to know he played the AFCON injured with a small tear in his hamstring, and it was necessary to manage it.”
Despite these physical limitations, the Super Eagles eventually secured the bronze medal in the tournament. Chelle’s comments suggest that the team’s third-place finish resulted from a significant display of grit, particularly from Osimhen, who insisted on representing his country despite the medical risk. This insight into the squad’s internal struggles offers fans a deeper understanding of the hurdles the Nigerian side overcame to reach the podium.
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