A significant victory for Nigeria's Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has been overshadowed by internal strife, as star striker Victor Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman were involved in a heated confrontation during the match.
Victory Overshadowed by On-Field Spat
On Monday night, January 5, 2026, the Nigerian national team secured their place in the tournament's quarterfinals with a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fes. The triumph, however, was marred by a moment of visible discord between two of the team's key attackers.
The match itself was a showcase of Nigerian firepower. Atalanta's Ademola Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute, bringing his personal tournament tally to three goals. Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen, who had failed to score in the previous group game against Uganda, responded with a quick brace—netting in the 25th and 46th minutes—to also reach three goals for the competition. Sevilla forward Akor Adams added a fourth in the 75th minute, with Lookman providing the assist for his third setup of the night.
The Flashpoint: "It's a Team Game, Pass the Ball"
The tension erupted in the 63rd minute. With Nigeria already leading comfortably, Lookman attempted to dribble past a Mozambican defender but lost possession. An apparently furious Osimhen, who was eager to complete a hat-trick, immediately charged towards his teammate.
Eyewitness reports and viral video footage indicate Osimhen shouted, "It's a team game, pass the ball" at Lookman, who had already provided two assists for Osimhen's goals earlier in the game. Captain Wilfred Ndidi intervened to calm the situation but was reportedly shoved aside by the incensed Napoli star. Ndidi was later seen consoling Lookman in a separate moment captured on camera.
The aftermath of the argument was palpable. Osimhen appeared to disengage, showing reluctance to make attacking runs whenever Lookman was on the ball. Recognizing the deteriorating dynamic, coach Eric Chelle substituted Osimhen just five minutes later, bringing on Paris FC winger Moses Simon in his place.
Post-Match Fallout and Fan Fury
The drama did not end with the final whistle. Instead of celebrating with his teammates on the pitch, Osimhen walked straight down the tunnel into the dressing room. Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were seen preventing other players from following him, suggesting the issue was far from resolved.
The incident has sparked a firestorm of reactions from Nigerian fans on social media, dividing opinions between those criticizing Osimhen's attitude and those questioning Lookman's decision-making.
Fan reactions compiled include:
- @JustAfolabi: "No one is bigger than the team. He needs to be calming down. I am glad he was removed immediately by the coach. You don't have to disrespect everyone including your captain."
- @RexJamac: "Lookman is doing good at the moment. But he needs to be passing the ball and quickly. Victor could have had a hat-trick before being subbed. Lookman shouldn’t be selfish and sluggish sometimes."
- @seyisanni: "Very unprofessional and egotistical attitude by Osimhen, he also lacks respect for his captain who tried to calm him down. Nonsense!"
- @Ayphilydegreat: "This is an eyesore he needs to calm down jor. Lookman is Nigeria’s best player."
- @Edwyeen: "Victor Osimhen must realise that a tree doesn't make a forest. He's not more passionate than his teammates. An apology should be tendered to his teammates and Nigerians."
This internal conflict presents an unexpected challenge for the Super Eagles' management as they prepare for the high-stakes quarterfinal. The team's ability to unite and move past this incident could be as crucial to their AFCON aspirations as their undoubted talent on the field.
