BREAKING: Drama As Osimhen Threatens To Quit Super Eagles After Bust-Up With Ademola Lookman
Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night was overshadowed by dramatic scenes involving Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles produced one of their most dominant displays of the tournament, shaking off the disappointment of missing out on a second successive World Cup as they overwhelmed the Mambas and set up a potential last-eight meeting with DR Congo.
However, celebrations were quickly eclipsed by a heated on-pitch confrontation between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman.
The incident came after moments of clear attacking chemistry. In the 25th minute, Alex Iwobi split the defence with a fine pass, allowing Lookman to square for Osimhen, who opened his account. The duo celebrated together alongside Bruno Onyemaechi.
Shortly after the restart, Lookman again provided the assist, leaping into Osimhen’s arms after setting him up for another chance.
But frustration soon set in for the Napoli striker. After several promising attacks failed to find him, Osimhen reacted angrily when Lookman chose to dribble instead of passing in a good position, and later when Onyemaechi and Akor Adams drove into the box rather than squaring to him.
Tensions peaked moments later when Lookman approached the corner flag to take a set piece. Osimhen confronted him aggressively, pointing in his face. Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to calm the situation but was brushed aside.
In an unusual twist, Mozambique defender Reinildo Mandava intervened to separate the pair.
Osimhen then gestured to the bench, asking to be substituted, and was promptly replaced by Moses Simon, despite Nigeria cruising at 3–0.
According to Arise TV, at the final whistle, Osimhen headed straight down the tunnel while teammates and coaching staff gathered on the pitch. Reports said he left the dressing room early and sat alone on the team bus as others attended media duties.
According to reports from within the camp, the striker later left the stadium visibly upset, dropped his accreditation and declared he was “done” with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey.
Nigeria Football Federation officials were said to have moved to reach him, with senior figures attempting to calm the situation, though some reportedly felt he should be allowed time to cool off.
The incident has revived concerns over Osimhen’s temperament, coming months after his public fallout with former coach Finidi George in June 2024.
The timing is also delicate, with Lookman emerging as Nigeria’s standout performer at this AFCON, registering seven direct goal contributions – three goals and four assists – the most in the tournament.
Osimhen, meanwhile, remains a fan favourite and is just three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national scoring record, but has cut a frustrated figure in recent games.
For now, Nigeria’s progress in the competition has been pushed into the background as attention turns to the internal crisis threatening to unsettle the squad.
