In a candid reflection on the emotional state of his teammate, Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi has shed light on Victor Osimhen’s frustrations following Nigeria’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group opener.
The match, held on Tuesday, saw Nigeria secure a crucial win, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, but not without its moments of tension.
The match turned contentious for Osimhen when he was substituted late in the game by manager Eric Chelle, who opted to bring on Paul Onuachu. This decision did not resonate well with Osimhen, who was visibly upset as he left the pitch. Witnesses noted a brief exchange of words between the striker and Chelle, raising questions about the dynamics within the team.
Despite the on-field drama, Ndidi sought to downplay any notions of discord, emphasising that Osimhen’s reaction stemmed from his intense commitment to the team. “I didn’t see that, but it is what it is,” Ndidi commented during the post-match press conference. “Osimhen is a big player; he wants to do the best for the team, and maybe he feels a bit frustrated.”
Ndidi acknowledged the inherent pressures that come with high-stakes international competitions. “It is normal; we are human beings. Maybe he feels like the game did not go his way because he was trying for the team. That is the kind of player he is, and we needed him on the pitch.”
The Super Eagles captain hinted at the possibility of having a heart-to-heart conversation with Osimhen to alleviate some of the pressure he seemed to be placing on himself. “I think Osimhen is kind of putting too much pressure on himself,” Ndidi stated. “I’m going to speak to him; he wants to win.”
As Nigeria progresses in the AFCON tournament, the team’s unity and emotional well-being will be crucial. Ndidi’s supportive stance towards Osimhen reflects the camaraderie within the squad, as they aim to build on their victory against Tanzania and strive for further success in the continental competition.
With the tournament’s high stakes, managing player emotions will be just as important as tactical prowess on the field.
