AFCON: Osimhen’s reaction down to self-pressure, not conflict – Ndidi
Super Eagles skipper Wilfred Ndidi has played down concerns surrounding Victor Osimhen’s reaction during Nigeria’s win over Tanzania, explaining that the striker was simply hard on himself.
Ndidi addressed the issue after Osimhen was substituted late in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Nigeria secured the win through goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, but attention later shifted to Osimhen’s visible displeasure when head coach Eric Chelle replaced him with Paul Onuachu close to full time.
The Galatasaray forward appeared unhappy as he walked off, briefly exchanging words with Chelle before taking his seat on the bench, sparking talk of a possible disagreement.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ndidi dismissed such claims, insisting Osimhen’s reaction came from his intense desire to help the team succeed.
“I didn’t really notice any issue,” Ndidi said. “Osimhen is a top player who always wants to give everything for the team. Maybe he was just frustrated.”
“These things happen. We’re all human. Sometimes you feel the game isn’t going your way even when you’re trying your best. That’s the kind of player he is, and we needed his effort.”
Ndidi added that Osimhen’s standards for himself might be the real issue. “I think he puts a lot of pressure on himself. I’ll talk to him. He just wants to win, that’s all.”
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