Nigeria Lost African Playoffs final Because Victor Osimhen Could Not Continue After Half-Time
Mbemba scored the winning penalty to help DR Congo beat Nigeria in the final of the African Playoffs in Morocco. Although the Leopards showed their intensity and their desire to qualify for their first World Cup since 1974, the absence of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen in the second half made their task easier.
Nigeria started the game and scored early through Frank Onyeka.
However, The Super Eagles of Nigeria could not capitalize on their great start. DR Congo grew into the game, equalizing 30 minutes after Nigeria scored.
Although Congo’s defensive block was able to limit Nigeria, Victor Osimhen remained a threat for the Super Eagles throughout the first half.
Osimhen remained an outlet for Nigeria in terms of creating chances by challenging for every aerial ball, and also being a threat with his pace and powerful pressing.
However, after his substitution due to an injury concern at half-time, Nigeria lost their attacking edge. The Super Eagles became toothless in attack and struggled to create a chance against an impressive Congolese defence.
Nigeria failing to win without Victor Osimhen is not a new development. The Super Eagles also failed to win matches against “lesser sides” in the Group C of World Cup qualifiers. Out of a possible 15, Nigeria picked up just 4 points without their star striker.
It’s a problem that needs to be fixed, so that unreasonable expectations are not put on the former Napoli striker.
If there is a country in Africa that can produce or call up enough top talents to help Victor Osimhen in the future, it is the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Eric Chelle must find the solution, and he must do it quickly, as the 2025 African Cup of Nations starts in December.
