Softfootball reports that confusion and anxiety swept through Nigerian football fans on X after star striker Victor Osimhen was unexpectedly substituted at halftime in Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification playoff against DR Congo. With the score at 1-1, his removal raised urgent questions: was it a tactical decision or a troubling injury?
Nigeria are currently battling without the presence of Osimhen, who was one of the heroes in the victory against Gabon; reactions poured in rapidly across social media. Taking the lead was popular sports journalist Pooja (@PoojaMedia), whose post quickly shaped the direction of the conversation.
His intention was clear: to reassure fans that despite Osimhen’s absence, the Super Eagles still had what it took to push for victory. Beneath his calm confidence, though, was an understanding of how big a blow the substitution really was.
He assured:
Osimhen is a big loss but the boys are capable.
But many fans strongly disagreed. To them, removing Nigeria’s most lethal attacker in such a crucial match felt like watching the team lose its heartbeat. Replies to Pooja’s post captured a mix of anger, disbelief, and fear that Nigeria’s hopes were slipping away.
INSIDE~WORLD (@powerchibueze) was among the first to react, pushing back against Pooja’s optimism with blunt frustration, doubting the team’s ability to cope,
He exclaimed:
Omoo the boys no capable anything.
Kenneth Brays (@kennethbrays) followed with a more pointed criticism, placing responsibility squarely on head coach Eric Chelle and stressing how dependent the team is on Osimhen.
He claimed:
This team is dead without Osimhen. Eric Chelle is responsible.
For Okorie Kalu Stargabby (@OStargabby), the tone was one of confusion and concern rather than anger. His intention was to question the reasoning behind the substitution, believing only an injury could justify it.
He tweeted:
I just hope Victor Osimhen substitution is based on an injury because nothing else will make sense tactically. He was our danger man. #NGADRC
Mr Nigerian Football (@AJSilverCFC) expressed deeper frustration over the team’s overall performance, suggesting Nigeria lost its identity the moment Osimhen left the pitch.
He lamented:
I can’t recognize this team anymore man. WTF is going on? Why’d he take Osimhen off? Why did we stop pressing? Why is the midfield nowhere to be found?
And finally, Dr. BIB (@babatundebalo) voiced the fear most fans shared, that without Osimhen, Nigeria looked mentally shaken and vulnerable.
He warned:
I just pray we don’t concede another goal. If we do, there is no coming back. They are look depressed without Osimhen.
As the match continues, Nigerian supporters are anxiously waiting for clarity on why Osimhen was withdrawn. Whether due to injury or tactics, his halftime exit has clearly shaken confidence, and every minute Nigeria plays without him only intensifies the unease.
