Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has moved to calm tensions following a viral on-field confrontation between star striker Victor Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's emphatic Africa Cup of Nations victory.
Heated Exchange Overshadows Dominant Win
The incident occurred in the second half of Nigeria's 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco on Monday, January 5. Despite the comprehensive scoreline, cameras captured a tense moment between the two attackers, sparking rumours of a rift within the camp.
The three-time African champions secured their quarterfinal berth with ease at the Complexe Sportif de Fes. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, with Osimhen adding a second just five minutes later. Osimhen netted again early in the second half to complete his brace before Akor Adams sealed the 4-0 rout in the 75th minute.
Simon Downplays Rift, Praises Osimhen's Spirit
Reacting to the controversy, Moses Simon, who replaced Lookman in the 68th minute, dismissed the significance of the exchange. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Paris FC forward described Osimhen as an essential fighter for the team.
"I think I did not see anything actually which some people said he did but we are all team, there is nothing to talk about," Simon stated. He emphasized the collective need for unity, adding, "He is a guy, we know and a fighter in the team. Osimhen will still fight for us, we need him, the team needs him and I believe he needs us also. We have to keep going."
Simon stressed that the Super Eagles require the Galatasaray striker at his best if they are to seriously challenge for the AFCON title in Morocco, aiming to put Nigerian football back on the global map.
Awaziem Confirms Resolution, Team Focused on Quarters
Defender Chidozie Awaziem corroborated the peaceful resolution within the squad. The Nantes centre-back explained that the matter, born from a competitive desire to win, has been settled.
"All I can say is that, it is a football thing and everybody wants to win. Victor is a fighter, he wants to win matches; Ademola is a fighter, Ndidi is fighter, Akor and everyone wants to win," Awaziem said. He confirmed, "The issue has been resolved, everyone is good. Victor, Ademola and Ndidi are good so we just focus on the next game."
The 29-year-old defender revealed that the team's focus has now fully shifted to their upcoming quarterfinal fixture, as they await the identity of their next opponent.
The incident, while briefly causing concern among fans, appears to have been contained within the squad, with key players rallying to support Osimhen and reaffirm the team's shared objective of AFCON glory.
