AFCON 2025: Wilfred Ndidi Reacts After Victor Osimhen’s Touchline Drama During Nigeria vs Tanzania
- Nigeria defeated the Tafia Stars of Tanzania 2-1, courtesy of goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman
- Coach Eric Chelle replaced Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in the 86th minute after failing to score
- Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has shared his thoughts on the reaction of Osimhen toward Chelle
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has addressed Victor Osimhen’s reaction after coach Eric Chelle substituted him during Nigeria’s opening match against Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The three-time AFCON winners began their campaign on a positive note, securing a 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Tuesday night, December 23.
Nigeria entered the tournament under pressure after failing to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles dominated the early stages of the match but struggled to break down Tanzania’s disciplined defence.
Nigeria eventually took the lead in the 36th minute when Hull City defender Semi Ajayi headed home Alex Iwobi’s cross from the right flank.
In the 52nd minute, Tanzania equalised through Charles M’Mombwa, who finished first time after a left-wing attack exposed Nigeria’s defence.
Two minutes later, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed strike from outside the penalty area, beating four defenders and goalkeeper Zuberi Foba.
The former Fulham winger’s goal sealed a deserved win for Nigeria and moved the Super Eagles into second place in Group C, following Tunisia’s 3-1 victory over Uganda, per Sofa Score.
Ndidi reacts to Osimhen’s actions
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen failed to find the back of the net against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday night, December 23.
The Galatasaray striker’s first clear chance came in the 35th minute when Sevilla forward Akor Adams played a through pass to Osimhen, who rounded the goalkeeper but saw his effort cleared by Bakari Mwamnyeto for a corner that eventually led to Nigeria’s opening goal.
Early in the second half, the former Napoli striker thought he had scored from an Adams assist, but the goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR check.
Following his inability to score, coach Eric Chelle replaced the 26-year-old with 31-year-old Paul Onuachu, a decision that prompted a visible reaction from Osimhen.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking after the match, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi said he would speak with the Galatasaray forward.
The Besiktas midfielder explained that Osimhen’s reaction stemmed from passion and frustration at not scoring against the lowly rated Tanzania side.
Ndidi added that Osimhen had placed a lot of pressure on himself ahead of the AFCON, especially after Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He via ESPN:
“I didn't see that but it is what it is, he is a big player, he wants to do the best for the team, maybe a bit frustrated.
“It's normal, we are human beings, so maybe he feels like the game didn't go his way because he was trying for the team, that's the kind of player he is, we needed him.
“So, I think he is kind of like putting too much pressure on himself. I am going to speak to him, he is a great guy, he wants to win, everyone wants to win.
"If that's what it was, of course we are human beings, and we want to win."
Osimhen declares war at AFCON 2025
Legit.ng earlier reported that Victor Osimhen has apologised to Nigerians for the World Cup miss and vows to fight alongside his teammates to make it right at AFCON.
Nigerians have high expectations from the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, after missing out on the second straight World Cup.
Source: Legit.ng
