Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, reportedly played through a hamstring injury during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Éric Chelle has revealed.

The Galatasaray forward, despite his physical challenge, delivered an impressive tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six matches. His outstanding performances earned him a place in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Team of the Tournament.

Out of the six matches Nigeria played, Osimhen featured for the full 90 minutes in two crucial games against Tunisia and Algeria.

Speaking to RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle attributed Nigeria’s subdued performance in the semifinal against Morocco to a hectic travel schedule and the physical demands placed on the players.

“After the game against Algeria in Marrakesh, we had to travel back to Fez, and then to Rabat for our next match just 48 hours later. We didn’t have access to a cryotherapy chamber for recovery,” Chelle said.

“At this level, every small detail matters. After two training sessions, a bit of rest, and another session before the next match, the team was visibly fatigued.”

Chelle noted that Nigeria’s main attacking trio — Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman — could not replicate their earlier form during the semifinal against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.

“People need to understand that Victor played the tournament with a small tear in his hamstring. It was necessary to manage his condition carefully. Akor looked tired and missed several chances,” the coach added.

Although Osimhen led the team in matches against Uganda and Morocco, he was left out of action in the third-place playoff against Egypt, despite being included in the squad list.

The coach’s revelations shed light on the challenges faced by the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025 and underscore the resilience of Osimhen, who remained a standout performer despite his injury.