DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki Admits Osimhen Injury Gave Leopards Edge In Playoff Final

DR Congo Defender Sadiki Opens Up On How Osimhen’s Injury Changed The Game

DR Congo full-back Noah Sadiki has openly admitted that the injury to Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen played a major role in the Leopards’ dramatic World Cup playoff triumph over the Super Eagles.

Osimhen, who has been Nigeria’s most dangerous attacking force throughout the qualifiers, was forced off after just 45 minutes during Sunday night’s showdown in Rabat. DR Congo eventually won 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw that stretched through extra time.

Osimhen’s Absence Shifted The Balance

Speaking in a video shared on X after the match, Sadiki explained that Osimhen’s early exit changed the flow of the contest:

“It’s not that it helped, but we know Osimhen is a big player and if you retire him out of the team, they have a big miss in front even though they have quality in front as well.”

He added:

“We knew he was their star player. If he was out, it would not be easier but another game.”

Osimhen had scored five goals in his last two appearances for Nigeria leading into the final, making him the focal point of the attack and the main threat DR Congo had prepared to contain.

A Turning Point In Nigeria’s Painful Defeat

Once the Napoli striker was substituted, the Super Eagles struggled to maintain the same sharpness and aggression in the final third. DR Congo were able to reorganize their defensive shape, limit Nigeria’s forward movement, and gradually grow into the game.

Sadiki’s honest admission confirms what many fans observed—that Osimhen’s withdrawal removed Nigeria’s most influential weapon and gave Congo the breathing room they needed to stage a comeback.

A Tough Lesson For The Super Eagles

Nigeria still created chances and pushed the contest all the way to penalties, but without their talisman, the momentum gradually slipped away. Sadiki’s comments highlight just how much the Super Eagles rely on Osimhen and how costly his absence was in a do-or-die match.

The defeat ends Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the Leopards advance to the next phase with renewed confidence.