An insider close to the Super Eagles camp, Colin Udoh, has clarified the circumstances surrounding Victor Osimhen’s unexpected withdrawal at half-time during Nigeria’s World Cup playoff loss to DR Congo in Rabat on Sunday.
Nigeria failed to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive cycle after suffering a 4–3 penalty shootout defeat to the Congolese, a result that stunned fans across the country. Supporters were particularly alarmed when Osimhen, Nigeria’s most in-form striker throughout the qualifiers, did not return for the second half and was replaced by Sevilla forward Akor Adams.
Osimhen has been instrumental in Nigeria’s campaign, scoring five goals across the team’s two previous matches. His absence immediately shifted the momentum, with the Leopards taking control, dictating play, and eventually eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
Speaking to newsmen, Udoh explained that the Galatasaray striker had sustained a hamstring injury, which ruled him out for the remainder of the encounter.
“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,” Udoh said.
“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.”
Osimhen’s injury situation raises fresh concerns for Nigeria ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for December, as attention now shifts to tournament preparations following the painful World Cup exit.
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