The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports of a rift in the Super Eagles camp following an on-field confrontation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Monday’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, was seen gesturing at Lookman shortly after the hour mark, allegedly over a missed scoring opportunity, and later requested to be substituted. The incident briefly overshadowed Nigeria’s dominant performance, which also saw goals from Lookman and Akor Adams.
In a statement on Tuesday, Team Administrator Dayo Enebi assured that the matter had been resolved internally. “There is no problem whatsoever in our camp. Whatever people saw as a crisis between two brothers was easily resolved a couple of hours later. All is good,” he said.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe also dismissed claims that Osimhen threatened to leave the team camp. “The primary issues and the aftermath of the on-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been resolved internally. Kindly ignore all reports suggesting otherwise,” Efoghe stated.
Despite official reassurances, some ex-internationals and football stakeholders have weighed in on Osimhen’s conduct. Veteran journalist Charles Anazodo suggested that the striker be dropped from the starting line-up, while pundit Segun Agbede warned that players must understand they are not bigger than the team.
Football administrator Deji Gbenro called for Osimhen to be sent home, citing the need for an apology to teammates and coaches. Former Olympian Obafemi Abiodun echoed the sentiment, stating that sending the striker home would be justified if he fails to show remorse.
However, some former Super Eagles players urged calm. Sylvanus Okpala, Alloy Agu, and Garba Lawal noted that such incidents are common in competitive matches and stressed the importance of focusing on upcoming games. Team captain Wilfred Ndidi also downplayed the row, describing it as a display of competitive spirit and confirming that the issue was addressed in the dressing room.
Following their emphatic win over Mozambique, Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarter-finals after the North Africans edged DR Congo 1–0 in extra time in Marrakesh.
