AFCON 2025
Nigeria’s long, gruelling journey toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended on a painful note in Rabat, where the Super Eagles fell 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo after a tense 1–1 draw.
1. Lookman and Chukwueze were poor
Head coach Eric Chelle’s decision to stick with wingers Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze backfired spectacularly. Both delivered anonymous, below-par performances. Lookman was repeatedly wasteful in possession and lacked chemistry with Osimhen, while Chukwueze offered no attacking thrust and provided minimal defensive support, leaving the right flank dangerously exposed. Though Chelle removed them early in the second half, the damage was already done.
2. A Second-Half Collapse
The match fundamentally changed when Victor Osimhen did not return for the second half due to injury. Nigeria’s pressing game instantly disappeared, their transitions slowed, and their attacking identity completely unravelled. DR Congo seized full control of the midfield, winning every second ball and pushing the Super Eagles deep into their own half for the entire second period.
3. The Indispensable Osimhen
If there was ever a match to argue for Victor Osimhen’s importance, this was it. Once he was substituted, Congo instantly sensed weakness, and Nigeria looked utterly confused.
The team lost its focal point, lacking both a trigger for the press and any coordinated movement or force in attack. Without their star striker, the Super Eagles were directionless.
