Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said that Victor Osimhen was frustrated and putting too much pressure on himself during Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ndidi spoke about the incident involving Osimhen after he was substituted late in the match on Tuesday.
Nigeria won the Group C opener thanks to goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman against Tanzania, coached by Miguel Ángel Gamondi.
With minutes left in the game, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle replaced Osimhen with Paul Onuachu. The decision appeared to upset the Galatasaray striker, who showed visible frustration as he left the pitch and exchanged a few words with the coach before sitting on the bench.
However, Ndidi played down suggestions of any problem, explaining that Osimhen’s reaction came from his strong desire to help the team.
“I didn’t really see it, but it is what it is. Osimhen is a big player who always wants to give his best for the team. Maybe he was a bit frustrated,” Ndidi said.
“It’s normal because we are human beings. Maybe he felt the game didn’t go the way he wanted, even though he was trying his best for the team. That’s the kind of player he is.
“We needed him, and I think he is putting too much pressure on himself. I will talk to him because he really wants to win.”
