Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has revealed that Victor Osimhen’s injury during the first half of the 2026 World Cup playoff final played a major role in DR Congo gaining an advantage over Nigeria in Rabat, Morocco.
The striker’s early departure weakened Nigeria’s attacking options and forced the team to change tactics, leaving them less effective in the second half against a highly motivated Congolese side.
Nigeria had entered the playoff final with high confidence following their 4-1 semifinal victory over Gabon, a match that showcased the team’s attacking strength, tactical discipline, and cohesive midfield play.
Analysts and fans expected the Super Eagles to carry this momentum into the final, but Osimhen’s absence disrupted Nigeria’s attacking flow, forcing the remaining players to struggle in creating clear-cut scoring opportunities against DR Congo’s organized defense.
During the match, Osimhen was substituted at halftime due to a suspected injury, leaving Nigeria without their primary goal threat for the second half. Onyeka explained that DR Congo’s defenders immediately capitalized on his absence, regaining confidence and organizing more efficiently.
The Congolese players were able to defend more comfortably, while Nigeria’s attacking attempts lost their usual intensity and penetration, making it increasingly difficult to break through the defensive lines.
Speaking to BBC Sports, Onyeka said, “Missing Victor going into the second half changed the entire dynamic of the match.
Even a player from DR Congo mentioned that his absence allowed their defenders to rest, relax, and focus on defending strategically, which made it harder for Nigeria to create scoring chances.” His comments highlighted how Osimhen’s presence alone affects opponents’ confidence.
Onyeka further described Osimhen as a player who is feared by defenders across Africa, stating, “Victor is an amazing player who fights for every single ball and constantly pressures defenders.
His pace, physical strength, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the most challenging forwards to defend against. Opponents must constantly adapt their defensive strategy whenever he is on the pitch, showing how vital he is to Nigeria’s overall game plan.”
The absence of Osimhen proved costly for Nigeria, as DR Congo equalized during regular time and eventually won the match 4–3 on penalties.
Onyeka admitted that Nigeria’s morale and attacking confidence declined after the substitution, which made it increasingly difficult to control the game and take advantage of scoring opportunities. The Super Eagles’ inability to capitalize on their early semifinal form ultimately ended their 2026 World Cup aspirations.
Despite the setback, Onyeka remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ future, emphasizing the importance of having Osimhen fully fit for upcoming matches.
He believes that when available, Osimhen’s combination of skill, leadership, and relentless work ethic provides Nigeria with a decisive advantage in high-stakes competitions, reinforcing his role as a central figure in Nigeria’s ambitions both in Africa and on the global football stage.
Read also: Fulham will be without Super Eagles’ trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze during AFCON 2025 — Silva
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