The talking point after Super Eagles demolished the Mambas of Mozambique to reach the quarterfinal of the 2025 AFCON was not the dominant display by the team, but the on-the-pitch outburst of Victor Osimhen against fellow striker Ademola Lookman.
Victor osimhen was seen fighting Ademola Lookman during the just ended game. Osimhen’s bad character is the reason he’s stuck in turkey whiles his mates are playing in Europe
— FCBGavi (@tculer4) January 5, 2026
Such an unlikeable player 🤮pic.twitter.com/30YUjC5tlZ
Osimhen confronted Ademola Lookman for not passing the ball to him, afterwards he asked to be replaced and stormed away to the dressing room even after the whole squad gathered to celebrate the big win.
Camp sources even suggested that he threatened to quit the team and head back to his Turkish club.
The majority of people have lashed out at the Galatasaray forward for his conduct making reference to his rants against Finidi George when he was in charge of the Super Eagles, while some have chosen to defend his actions.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle insisted that this was a matter that will be dealt with by the team.
“What happened in the pitch will stay in the group,” the coach said in his post-match media briefing.
“I don’t need to tell you what happened or what will happen.
“Everything that happened in the group will stay in the life of the group.”
Ademola Lookman himself played down the episode, saying “it was just a discussion on the pitch (with Osimhen).”
However, Agba Idu said a player’s attitude is as important as his talent.
“The signs were there with the Finidi George drama, but we ignored it” he said.
“Talent alone can’t take anyone far, attitude matters too.
“Even Cristiano Ronaldo with over 900 career goals and five Ballon d’Ors doesn’t lose his cool and ask to be substituted when he’s pissed. Talk less of someone with less than 200 career goals.”
Was what happened between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, in the AFCON Round of16 game against Mozambique, a good thing? Certainly not,” asked journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who is covering the tournament in Morocco.
“I understand the public reaction to it. But as Chelle wisely said, what happens within the team, stays within the team. Osimhen is the attacking arrow of Nigeria and any calls for his removal from the team are just plain daft. Lookman’s post match statements reveal maturity, diplomacy and tact. The spat will blow over. There is a cup to be won.”
Another journalist, Lekan Olasehinde, was more damning in his criticism of the Galatasaray star.
“If Osimhen wants to leave camp let him go,” he started.
“That’s enough impetus for the team to win AFCON trophy. Yes, no one is doubting his ability but football is a team work. Throwing his accreditation away and saying I’m done with playing for Nigeria is totally out of place.
“Enough of his tantrums. He disrespected Finidi George, team mates at will
“Playing for your nation is the highest honour for a player and walking out on that same team is disrespectful. He needs to apologise to his team, coaches and the nation at large.
“For crying out loud, Ademola Lookman is also an African player of the year, the same player that gave you the assist to score
“Somebody should tell him, nothing lasts for ever.”
@ultimate_kombo posted on X in Osimhen’s defence: “I stand with Osimhen because I know his intentions are pure, he was only displaying his passion as a striker and we should not read too much meaning in to it.”
He added: “I love players who wear their emotions on their sleeve, I love passionate players.
“Victor Osimhen is a passionate player and he must continue like that because that is when we see him at his best.
“All of you shouting let him change, if he changes and stop performing, you will be the first to start insulting him.
“Victor Osimhen please continue to display your passion on the pitch, we love it.”
Another supporter, @afamdeluxo, blamed the outrage on haters.
“Let’s not pretend. Many of you wanted Osimhen to fail,” he posted.
“You told him to reduce his wages, doubted his value and fragged him endlessly during his Napoli transfer crisis and he proved y’all wrong.
“So the fake outrage and slick comments today aren’t surprising to me.
“Osimhen is HIM.”
A fan of Osimhen, Simply Tacha, also rook to social media to express her support for the 27-year-old striker.
“There’s nothing wrong in what Osimhen did to Lookman. If it was Ronaldo, you people won’t say anything,” she defended.
“If you’re a fan of Victor Osimhen, you will understand he does what he did to Lookman at every match. He even does that in his clubs in Europe. I think that’s his passion for winning.”
