Nigeria is currently concerned about the physical condition of Victor Osimhen as the team prepares for this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off against Egypt.
Due to the suspension of Wilfred Ndidi, Osimhen took on the role of captain during the semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday night.
However, the prolific striker was taken off the field just before the penalty shootout, with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle disclosing that the player had sustained a “small injury”.
Explaining the tactical decision to make late substitutions during extra time, Chelle told reporters: “So since the beginning of this Africa Cup of Nations, every day at every training session we have done penalty sessions and statistically the players who took the penalties were the best, and that’s why we made changes to bring in the players who were going to shoot.”
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The coach further noted that “Chukwueze came on to take his penalty and even though he didn’t score.”
He emphasized that the strategy was data-driven, stating, “So when we saw the match was heading towards penalties, it was when we brought in the players who were shooting the best.”
Regarding the specific situation with the captain, Chelle clarified: “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.”
This particular substitution proved effective, as Paul Onuachu successfully converted Nigeria’s opening penalty.
However, the momentum shifted when Samuel Chukwueze failed to capitalize on a save by Stanley Nwabali; the winger’s attempt was easily caught by Yassine Bounou.
The shootout eventually went in favor of the hosts, with Youssef En-Nesyri scoring the decisive kick after Bounou stopped Bruno Onyemaechi’s attempt in an unusual manner.
While Morocco advances to face Senegal in Sunday’s final, Nigeria must now focus on their bronze-medal match against Egypt, although “Osimhen’s availability is in doubt” following his ankle issue.
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