The Nigeria Football Federation has moved to address a controversial incident involving two of the Super Eagles' biggest stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
What Happened on the Pitch?
The altercation between the forwards overshadowed Nigeria's commanding 4-0 victory over the Mambas of Mozambique in the Round of 16 match. Witnesses reported a heated exchange between Osimhen and Lookman, which continued after the final whistle. The situation escalated when Victor Osimhen refused to join the team's post-match huddle and declined all media interviews, heading straight to the team bus instead.
This visible friction sparked immediate concern and debate among Nigerian fans and pundits. Many supporters expressed frustration online, with some calling for disciplinary action against Osimhen, citing a pattern of on-field petulance.
The Official Response from Camp
In an official statement published on its website, the NFF sought to downplay the severity of the clash. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor described the event as a minor crisis between brothers that was resolved swiftly.
"There is no problem whatsoever in our camp. Whatever people saw as a crisis between two brothers was easily resolved a couple of hours later. All is good, and we are presently at training," Achor stated.
This official line was supported by team leadership. Coach Eric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi had earlier dismissed notions of a major rift, emphasizing that the matter was settled between the players immediately. Senior squad members like Moses Simon and Chidozie Awaziem also publicly downplayed the incident's significance.
Moving Forward to the Quarter-Finals
With the internal matter reportedly settled, the Super Eagles have shifted their full focus to the next challenge. The Confederation of African Football confirmed that Nigeria will face the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the quarter-finals.
Algeria secured their spot with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, thanks to a late goal from Aldi Boulbina. The highly anticipated clash is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 5 pm at the Grande Stade de Marrakech. The Nigerian contingent will travel from Fez to Marrakech on Thursday to prepare.
In related team news, the NFF also clarified the situation regarding striker Akor Adams. He was granted permission to briefly visit his mother, who was hospitalized in Fez, and returned to camp within an hour. Adams confirmed his mother's hospitalization after scoring his first AFCON goal in the match against Mozambique.
As the team prepares for its crucial match against Algeria, the federation hopes the resolved matter between Osimhen and Lookman will remain in the past, allowing the Eagles to soar with unity on their quest for AFCON glory.
