Nigeria's emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was marred by a tense on-field incident involving star striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman. The clash, which required the intervention of captain Wilfred Ndidi, has become the major talking point from the match held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco.
The Flashpoint: Osimhen's Fury at Lookman
Despite a dominant performance that saw the Super Eagles net four goals, tensions erupted in the 63rd minute. The incident began when Ademola Lookman, who had already provided two assists, led a counter-attack. Attempting to dribble past a defender at the edge of the Mozambique box, Lookman was dispossessed.
A visibly furious Victor Osimhen immediately charged towards his teammate. Witnesses reported Osimhen shouting at Lookman, emphasizing that football is a team sport, not an individual game. This public reprimand of a colleague who had helped set up two of his goals stunned many observers.
Ndidi's Intervention and Osimhen's Reaction
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi swiftly moved to defuse the escalating situation. The experienced Besiktas midfielder stepped between the two players, attempting to calm Osimhen down. However, in a moment that raised eyebrows, Osimhen was seen shoving off the captain's attempts to pacify him.
Ndidi was reportedly forced to make a direct appeal to the 2023 UEFA Europa League winner before play could finally resume. This act of disregarding the captain's authority on the pitch is a rare and significant event within the Nigerian squad.
Context and Aftermath of the Incident
The match itself was a showcase of Nigerian firepower. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, with Osimhen netting twice in the 25th and 47th minutes from Lookman assists. The win secured Nigeria's place in the quarter-finals, where they will face Algeria on Saturday, as they pursue a fourth AFCON title.
Following the clash, Osimhen appeared to signal to coach Eric Chelle that he wanted to be substituted. He was also involved in a brief confrontation with defender Bruno Onyemaechi and seemed reluctant to join attacks when Lookman had possession.
This incident occurs as the Super Eagles campaign for redemption, having missed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a playoff loss to DR Congo in November. Ndidi's role as captain is particularly crucial following the official retirements of William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa.
The team's unbeaten run in the tournament continues, with previous group-stage wins over Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. They have now scored 12 goals while conceding four in the competition so far.
