Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has explained why Victor Osimhen was substituted before the loss to Morocco via penalties in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Chelle revealed to reporters that Osimhen picked up a “small injury”.

The Galatasaray striker, who already has four goals to his name, failed to add to his tally against the Atlas Lions.

Osimhen was replaced by Paul Onuachu before the penalties, raising plenty questions among fans and pundits.

Despite the apprehension, Onuachu was one of the two Nigerian players that converted their kicks.

“Victor had a small injury to his ankle and that’s why we brought in Paul, who statistically was one of the best shooters of this period,” Chelle explained.