Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that Victor Osimhen played through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a hamstring injury while admitting Raphael Onyedika struggled in the semi-final defeat to Morocco.
The Galatasaray striker managed the injury throughout the tournament in Morocco, yet emerged as one of the standout performers with four goals and two assists in six appearances, earning a place in CAF’s Team of the Tournament.
Of the six matches Osimhen featured in at AFCON 2025, he completed the full 90 minutes in just two, both against North African opposition, Tunisia and Algeria. The careful management by the Super Eagles’ medical team allowed him to contribute significantly despite the physical limitations as he finished with four goals, two assists and made the Team of The Tournament
The French coach also explained why Nigeria were not at their best in the semi-final against hosts Morocco, citing the demanding travel schedule that left players fatigued and unable to recover properly between matches.