Nigerian football fans and analysts have unleashed a torrent of criticism against star striker Victor Osimhen following a public display of frustration towards teammate Ademola Lookman during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The incident, which occurred despite a commanding 4-0 victory, has ignited a fierce debate about discipline and team unity within the Super Eagles camp.
The Flashpoint in Fes
The controversy erupted during Nigeria's Round of 16 match against Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fes on Monday, January 5, 2025. While the Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance to secure a quarterfinal berth, a tense moment in the 63rd minute captured headlines. Osimhen, who had already scored a brace, appeared visibly angry with Lookman for not passing the ball quickly enough, a move that reportedly denied the Galatasaray forward a chance to complete his hat-trick.
Despite goals from Lookman and Akor Adams sealing the comprehensive win, Osimhen's reaction—including walking away angrily and reportedly asking to be substituted—overshadowed the result for many observers. The image of a frustrated Osimhen, juxtaposed with the team's success, has become the talk of Nigerian football.
Pundits Point Finger at NFF, Call for Sanctions
Prominent football analysts have been quick to condemn Osimhen's behavior, with many directing their ire at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for what they see as a history of leniency. Veteran pundit Segun Agbede led the charge, stating in a viral social media post that the NFF's failure to sanction Osimhen after he allegedly disrespected former coach Finidi George has created a monster.
"This is a consequence of his rudeness to Finidi, which he got away with scot-free," Agbede asserted. "He must know that he is not bigger than his teammates. We have created a monster and I accept that, but it is time to tame that monster. This is a badly behaved boy."
Echoing this sentiment, analyst Charles Anazodo argued that coach Eric Chelle's reluctance to punish Osimhen sends a dangerous message. "If we do not drop Victor Osimhen, it shows that he is bigger than everybody else in the national team," Anazodo said. "If the coach does not drop him, how do you discipline him?"
Fan Fury Erupts on Social Media
The Nigerian football community has reacted passionately online, with many fans expressing disappointment in Osimhen's conduct. A common theme is the perceived threat to team harmony and a double standard in how star players are treated.
One fan, @ActualOlawale, questioned Osimhen's sense of superiority: "What has he achieved that Lookman hasn’t? He won a league title with Napoli, whereas Lookman is a Europa League champion and was named best player. They are both Africa’s best players. So why the attitude?"
Another, @delefresh2, criticized the timing of the outburst: "He has succeeded in scattering the unity in that team. You can have an outburst, players do that, but as the match progresses, that should be behind you. Why did he walk away as if we lost?"
User @_ralph1_ made a distinction between passion and indiscipline: "In the end, everyone is passionate about the game, not just Victor, so bad conduct should not hide under the umbrella of passion. We cannot quantify the passion we all have, and one person's passion should not be a yardstick for indiscipline."
Quarterfinal Focus Amidst Turmoil
As the Super Eagles prepare to face Algeria in the quarterfinals in Marrakech on Saturday, January 10, the internal rift poses a significant distraction. However, not everyone within the squad sees it as a major issue. Teammate Moses Simon, an AFCON silver medallist, has downplayed the reports of a serious rift.
Simon described Osimhen as a fighter who always wants the best for the team, suggesting the incident was born out of competitive fire rather than malice. Whether this view will placate an angry fanbase and critical pundit corps remains to be seen. The coming days will test the leadership of coach Eric Chelle and the NFF, as pressure mounts to address the discipline of their star player before a crucial knockout match.
