By NIGERIA’S commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique to secure a place in the AFCON quarter-finals was marred by dramatic scenes involving Victor Osimhen, who is reportedly threatening to walk away from the Super Eagles following a heated altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman.
The Super Eagles produced one of their most convincing performances of the tournament on Monday night, putting behind them the disappointment of missing out on qualification for a second successive World Cup. Goals flowed freely, confidence surged and a potential quarter-final clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo now beckons.
However, celebrations were quickly overshadowed by a growing rift between Osimhen and Lookman that erupted publicly on the pitch.
The tension was all the more surprising given the pair’s earlier chemistry. In the 25th minute, Alex Iwobi released Lookman with a sublime pass, and the winger squared the ball for Osimhen to score.
The duo celebrated together, sliding across the wet turf alongside Bruno Onyemaechi.
Shortly after the restart, Lookman again turned provider, leaping into Osimhen’s arms after setting him up for another goal.
Moments later, the mood shifted.
Osimhen became visibly frustrated as several attacking moves failed to end with the ball at his feet.
When Lookman chose to dribble instead of passing in a promising position, and Onyemaechi and Akor Adams later drove into the box rather than squaring to an unmarked Osimhen, the Napoli striker reacted angrily, throwing his hands in the air.
The situation escalated seconds later as Lookman walked over to take a corner. Osimhen confronted him, pointing aggressively in his teammate’s face.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to intervene but had his arm slapped away. In an unusual turn, Mozambique defender Reinildo stepped in to separate the players.
Osimhen then signalled to the bench that he wanted to be substituted and was promptly replaced by Moses Simon, despite Nigeria leading comfortably at 3–0.
The drama continued after the final whistle.
Osimhen walked straight down the tunnel as the rest of the squad and coaching staff formed a huddle on the pitch.
He reportedly left the dressing room early and sat alone on the team bus while his teammates carried out media duties.
Witnesses described a notable lack of effort to console or check on the vice-captain.
Osimhen
The situation has since escalated further. Reports from within the camp claim Osimhen stormed out of the stadium, dropped his accreditation and declared he was “done” with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey.
Senior Nigeria Football Federation officials were said to have moved swiftly to reach him, with the federation’s president reportedly attempting to calm the striker, while others believed he should be allowed time to cool off.
The incident has revived concerns about Osimhen’s temperament. In June 2024, he publicly clashed with then head coach Finidi George on social media, but sources around the team believe this latest episode represents a more serious flashpoint.
The timing is particularly delicate. Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer at this AFCON, recording seven direct goal contributions—three goals and four assists—the highest tally in the tournament.
Osimhen, a fan favourite and just three goals short of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national scoring record, has appeared increasingly frustrated.
For now, Nigeria’s impressive progress at AFCON has been pushed into the background.
The Super Eagles are soaring on the pitch, but off it, they face an unsettling crisis, with their star striker reportedly threatening to walk away from the national colours.
(Arise)
