Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi has insisted that teammate Victor Osimhen, was feeling somewhat frustrated and putting excessive pressure on himself.
Ndidi made these statements while discussing the incident involving Osimhen after his substitution during Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, on Tuesday
Recall that Nigeria defeated Miguel Ángel Gamond’s side, thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.
Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle, made a late substitution, pulling Osimhen for Paul Onuachu before the final whistle, a move that didn’t sit well with the Galatasaray attacker.
Osimhen displayed noticeable frustration as he left the pitch, exchanging words with Chelle before sitting on the bench.
However, during the post-match press conference, Ndidi dismissed any allegations of disagreement as he acknowledged Osimhen’s strong emotional investment in the game.
“I didn’t see that but it is what it is, Osimhen is a big player, he wants to do the best for the team, maybe a bit frustrated,” Ndidi said.
“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, we needed him.
“So, I think Osimhen is kind of putting too much pressure on himself. I’m going to speak to him, he wants to win.”