Ademola Lookman Breaks Silence Over Outburst On-field With Victor Osimhen At AFCON 2025 [VIDEO]
The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s comfortable 4-0 win over Mozambique at the Fes Sports Complex on Monday came with a brief moment of tension between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Osimhen, who scored twice in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round-of-16 encounter, cut a visibly frustrated figure midway through the second half after Lookman opted against a pass when the striker appeared well placed.
The reaction sparked murmurs inside the stadium and fleeting concerns on the Nigerian bench, despite the Super Eagles already in firm control of the game.
The incident unfolded around the 63rd minute. Osimhen was seen remonstrating with Lookman, pulling away from skipper Wilfred Ndidi and gesturing angrily.
Moments later, he signalled to be substituted and was withdrawn in the 70th minute, with Moses Simon taking his place. Sections of the crowd responded with boos as the striker made his way off the pitch.
Nigeria, however, never lost their rhythm. Lookman and Akor Adams added to Osimhen’s brace to seal an emphatic win over Mozambique and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 AFCON.
Speaking after the match, Lookman brushed aside any suggestion of a rift, insisting the episode was nothing more than a heat-of-the-moment exchange common in elite football.
“Victor is our number one guy,” Lookman said.
“He’s a top striker, vital to us. Moments like that happen, but they don’t change our togetherness.
“I play for the badge and my teammates; assists or goals, the team comes first.
“Victor’s hunger drives us. We understand each other and keep pushing.
“We stay calm, respect decisions, and focus on the next game.”
@ademolavictortv Ademola Lookman: Nothing happened between Victor Osimhen and me; it was just a discussion on the pitch. #AdemolaVictorAtAFCON2025 🇳🇬 Powered by Mr. Chef Nigeria, proud sponsors of the Super Eagles 🇳🇬 #SportsOnTikTok #AFCON2025 #AdemolaVictorTV #AfricanSports @Mr Chef Seasoning
The Atalanta forward later added that the striker remains his “brother”, stressing that the disagreement “doesn’t matter” in the bigger picture.
Statistically, Nigeria’s attacking unit has been one of the tournament’s most productive. Osimhen has recorded three goals and three assists so far, while Lookman has edged ahead with three goals and four assists.
Despite the dominant display, the flashpoint drew sharp reactions online. During the game, footage showed Osimhen pointing at Lookman and voicing his displeasure after a missed passing option.
The clip circulated widely, prompting criticism from some supporters who questioned the striker’s conduct during a match Nigeria were clearly winning.
Lookman’s role in the move was also noted.
By the time of the outburst, he had already fashioned two clear chances for Osimhen, one resulting directly in a goal and the other via Akor Adams.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to the quarter-finals, where they are set to face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 10.
