Top Officials Confront Eric Chelle Over Osimhen Decision

According to report by The Nation on Sunday, October 12, 2025, top officials within Nigerian football circles are reportedly furious with Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, for substituting star striker Victor Osimhen during Friday’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho. 

According to SCORENigeria, the officials expressed strong disapproval after Chelle replaced Osimhen with defender Semi Ajayi in the 89th minute.

The coach made the defensive change to protect Nigeria’s narrow 2–1 lead, but the move has sparked outrage among stakeholders.

Insiders revealed that the officials confronted Chelle after the match, insisting that Osimhen should remain on the pitch for as long as he is fit and uninjured.

They reportedly argued that the Galatasaray forward’s presence greatly influences the team’s morale and intimidates opponents.

According to one source who witnessed the confrontation in Polokwane, “The top shots did not take kindly to Victor being replaced. They made it clear to the coach that his removal reduced the team’s energy level.”

The same source further explained that Osimhen’s leadership qualities were evident even after his substitution.

“You could see how he continued to encourage his teammates from the bench and how passionately he addressed them in the post-match huddle,” the source said.

This display of commitment, they argued, shows his importance not only as a striker but also as a motivating force within the squad.

Interestingly, the same top officials had previously pleaded with Osimhen to travel with the Super Eagles to Bloemfontein last month, despite his injury, for the World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

Their insistence on his involvement, even when unfit, underscores the high regard they have for the 25-year-old striker’s influence both on and off the pitch.

The controversy has now sparked internal debate about Chelle’s tactical decisions, with sources suggesting that he has been cautioned not to substitute Osimhen in future matches unless absolutely necessary.

As the Super Eagles continue their qualification campaign, the incident highlights growing tension between technical decisions and administrative expectations within Nigerian football management.