A prominent Nigerian journalist has added his voice to the growing controversy surrounding Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, following a heated on-pitch clash with teammate Ademola Lookman. Rufai Oseni has publicly supported calls for the Napoli forward to be dropped from the national team's ongoing AFCON campaign.
The Viral Incident and Oseni's Strong Reaction
The drama unfolded during Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations match against Mozambique, which took place on January 6, 2026. A visibly angry confrontation between the two star players, Osimhen and Lookman, erupted on the field and had to be broken up by other players and officials. The incident was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms.
While anchoring his program, Global Sports Update, Rufai Oseni delivered a pointed critique of Osimhen's conduct. In a video that has since gone viral, Oseni did not mince words. He criticized what he termed Osimhen's "nonsense attitude" on the pitch and suggested that if the striker had threatened to leave the tournament, he should be allowed to do so and "return to Turkey."
Oseni emphasized that Ademola Lookman is also an accomplished footballer who has succeeded at the highest level, arguing that there should be no room for ego clashes between players of their caliber. He further stated that no single player is indispensable to the Super Eagles and expressed confidence that the team could win the AFCON title even without Osimhen.
Celebrity Backlash and Fan Reactions
Rufai Oseni is not the only public figure to condemn Osimhen's actions. The incident sparked widespread backlash online, with many fans and celebrities expressing their disappointment. Notably, social media commentator Verydarkman, who is known to be a friend of Osimhen, also blasted the striker's behavior and sent a cautionary message to other players.
Reality TV star Tacha had previously called for Osimhen to be dropped from the squad following the team's overall performance against Mozambique, even before the clash with Lookman went viral.
The reaction to Oseni's video has been largely supportive among fans online. Many commentators drew a connection between Osimhen's recent conduct and his association with certain controversial figures. A user named @shaynacares commented, "Victor doesn't have a good team spirit... He needs a therapist." Another user, @blissfully_allday, wrote, "Anybody wey identify with VDM end up messing up. I warned Osimen," directly referencing Osimhen's link to Verydarkman.
The Bigger Picture for the Super Eagles
This public spat comes at a critical juncture for the Nigerian national team as they compete in the AFCON 2025 tournament. Internal discord can significantly impact team morale and performance on the field. The management and coaching staff of the Super Eagles now face the challenge of managing this high-profile conflict to ensure it does not derail their championship aspirations.
The incident raises questions about player discipline, team unity, and the immense pressure on star players like Victor Osimhen, who often carry the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. How the Nigeria Football Federation and team officials handle this situation will be closely watched by millions of passionate fans across the country and the diaspora.
