By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi/Emmanuel Ayiku for Ghanaiannews Canada
In a match that delivered both dominant football and dramatic emotion, Nigeria’s Super Eagles cruised into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals with a convincing 4-0 victory over Mozambique but the spotlight wasn’t only on the scoreline. What began as an emphatic display of attacking football turned briefly tense in the second half as star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman became embroiled in a heated on-field exchange.
The clash, which occurred around the 64th minute of Nigeria’s Round of 16 tie in Fez, Morocco, came after Lookman had already opened the scoring and provided key assists in Nigeria’s commanding performance. Both players were pivotal to Nigeria’s attacking success, with Lookman setting the tone and Osimhen netting a brace to seal the emphatic win.
The Moment That Sparked Debate
Television footage captured what looked like a frustrated Osimhen gesturing and confronting Lookman after what he perceived as a missed passing opportunity despite Nigeria’s comfortable lead. The heated moment saw captain Wilfred Ndidi step in as a calming influence, and Osimhen was subsequently substituted soon after.
Some fans reacted strongly, even booing Osimhen as he exited the pitch — a rare sight for one of Nigeria’s most prominent footballers.
Players and Officials Put the Incident to Rest
Despite the visible tension on the pitch, Lookman was quick to downplay the incident after the match. Speaking to the press, he emphasized unity in the squad, saying the moment was simply part of the competitive nature of the game. “Victor is our number one guy… it’s just football. He is my brother,” Lookman explained, underscoring that there were no lingering issues between them.
Captain Ndidi echoed this sentiment, attributing the brief exchange to the team’s collective will to win, rather than anything personal.
On the administrative side, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the matter had been fully resolved internally — and dismissed any suggestions of a rift that could impact team harmony. Officials urged fans and media to focus on the team’s performance rather than the “minor disagreement.”
Nigeria’s victory over Mozambique not only showcased the attacking prowess of its key stars but also highlighted a team capable of handling pressure, on and off the pitch. With the Super Eagles now preparing for a tough quarter-final clash, the brief flare-up between Osimhen and Lookman looks set to become a footnote in a broader narrative of competitive spirit and national pride at AFCON.
