Nigerian football fans have criticised Victor Osimhen following an on-field confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident occurred in the 63rd minute of Monday’s round-of-16 clash, despite Nigeria already holding a comfortable lead at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Television footage showed Osimhen angrily remonstrating with Lookman after the winger opted to shoot rather than pass when the striker was unmarked in the box.
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Incident mars dominant display
Osimhen was seen pulling away from captain Wilfred Ndidi before pointing aggressively at Lookman and shouting in frustration.
He could later be heard saying in pidgin, “No try am again,” loosely translated as “don’t try that again.”
The reaction surprised many observers, given Lookman’s significant contribution to the match. By that point, the Atalanta forward had already been involved in creating two goals for Osimhen, directly assisting one and playing a key role in another move finished by Akor Adams.
Shortly after the exchange, Osimhen signalled to the bench to be substituted. When he was withdrawn and replaced by Moses Simon, sections of the crowd responded with boos, despite the striker having scored twice on the night.
Social media backlash follows
The episode quickly generated debate on social media, particularly on X, where several fans questioned Osimhen’s conduct and temperament.
Social media influencer Emma Ik Umeh wrote: “Victor Osimhen had a quarrel with his teammate Lookman. Crazy, but this same Lookman provided him with an assist for his second goal earlier.”
Others were more blunt in their assessment, with some describing the behaviour as unnecessary and unprofessional, especially given the scoreline and Nigeria’s control of the game.
“Osimhen should think he alone makes the team. Outburst like a you re not ProPlayer. Lookman assisted both of your goals, respect him,” one wrote.
Another added, “Victor Osimhen, we understand the hunger to score more and the mentality to win but calm down small and give some respect to your teammates.
“This is disrespectful to Ademola Lookman and Onyemaechi and to everyone else.”
Several other fans suggested the outburst detracted from what was otherwise one of the Super Eagles’ most complete performances of the tournament.
Team performance remains focus
Despite the controversy, Nigeria cruised into the quarter-finals with goals from Osimhen, Lookman and Akor Adams, recording their first clean sheet of AFCON 2025 and extending their winning run.
Lookman finished the match with a goal and two assists, while Osimhen’s brace took his tournament tally to three goals.
The Super Eagles remain unbeaten and are considered strong contenders for the title.
Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals as they continue their pursuit of a first AFCON crown since 2013, with attention now shifting back to results on the pitch rather than internal tensions.
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