DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki Highlights Impact of Osimhen Injury in World Cup Playoff Win

DR Congo defender Noah Sadiki has revealed that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s injury influenced the dynamics of Sunday’s World Cup qualifying playoff final in Morocco.

Osimhen was substituted at halftime for Akor Adams as DR Congo triumphed over the Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes. Goals from Frank Onyeka and Mechak Elia had kept the game level before the Leopards clinched the shootout victory, securing their place in the intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.

In a post-match video on X, Sadiki, who plays for Premier League side Sunderland, acknowledged Osimhen’s significance to Nigeria’s attack and the effect of his early exit.

“It’s not that it helped us directly, but Osimhen is a big player,” Sadiki said. “Taking him out of the team leaves a huge gap upfront, even though they have quality players as well. We knew he was their star, and while it didn’t make the game easy, it was another challenge. We practiced penalties.”

The 26-year-old Galatasaray striker had been in sensational form during the qualifiers, scoring five goals in his last two matches before the final. His injury in the first half curtailed Nigeria’s offensive threat, giving DR Congo an opportunity to exploit the situation defensively.

Sadiki’s remarks underscore Osimhen’s crucial role in the Super Eagles’ attack and how his absence shaped a high-stakes encounter, ultimately tipping the balance in favor of the Leopards despite Nigeria’s strong attacking lineup.