AFCON 2025: Lookman Downplays Osimhen Spat, Prioritises Super Eagles’ Success

Ademola Lookman has dismissed any lingering animosity following a heated on-field exchange with teammate Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday, a result that secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Speaking after the match, Lookman, the apparent target of Osimhen’s frustration, insisted the incident was a mere “football” matter. “No, I’ve not seen him, but I don’t really think that’s really important, the team won 4-0,” Lookman stated. “He’s our number one guy, everyone knows this. Top striker, top player, the rest is not really important. There are no issues between me and Victor. It’s just football. He is my brother.”

The flashpoint occurred in the 63rd minute with Nigeria already 3-0 up. Osimhen, who was on a hat-trick, reportedly berated Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi for not passing him the ball. The verbal altercation was so intense that captain Wilfred Ndidi and even a Mozambique defender, Reinildo Mandava, had to intervene. Osimhen subsequently requested a substitution and was replaced by Moses Simon.

The Atalanta winger added that his primary objective at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations is not to finish as the tournament’s top scorer, but instead to contribute to the Super Eagles’ continued strong performance.

Lookman has been a standout player for Nigeria in Morocco, playing a pivotal role as the Super Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals. The former African Player of the Year found the net once and provided assists for both Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the impressive win, bringing his tournament tally to three goals.

When questioned about his aspirations for the Golden Boot, Lookman’s response was a concise: “No.” He elaborated, “Personally, I’m just thinking about the team. We’re now in the quarter-finals, and our next opponent will be another strong side. We scored four goals, which was another significant team performance, so that’s what matters to me.”

Captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed Lookman’s sentiments, attributing the flare-up to a “competitive mindset.” He told ESPN, “We wanted more, we agreed we wanted more. In that moment, when two people really want it, this is what happens. Of course, we spoke about it in the dressing room, everything was fine. Everyone is in this together.”

Coach Eric Chelle remained unperturbed, confirming the matter would be handled internally.

“This is the question about my management and what happened on the pitch, it will stay in the group,” Chelle remarked. “I don’t need to tell you what happened or what will happen, I will keep it to myself and everything that happened in the life of the group will stay in the life of the group.”

Despite the team’s reassurances, Osimhen’s post-match behaviour, which included skipping the team’s huddle and media duties, has drawn attention. This is not the first instance of the Galatasaray striker’s temperament creating headlines, with previous incidents including a public dispute with former coach Finidi George.