Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle said a brief on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman would remain an internal matter after Super Eagles booked their place in AFCON 2025 quarter finals.
The incident occurred midway through the second half when Osimhen and Lookman were involved in a brief on-field argument following an attacking move. Captain Wilfred Ndidi intervened immediately, separating the two players and restoring calm before play resumed.
Osimhen and Lookman lockhead in Fes. Photo Credit: P
Addressing the situation after the match, Chelle declined to provide details, insisting it would not be discussed publicly.
“What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” he said. “I don’t need to tell you what will happen, I keep that to me.”
The 2023 runners-up had already taken firm control of the match before the incident, with Ademola Lookman opening the scoring before providing the assist for Victor Osimhen to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Osimhen added his second goal shortly after the restart, while Akor Adams wrapped up the scoring late on.
Lookman and Osimhen celebrating together. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Osimhen appeared frustrated during the second-half exchange and later signalled to the bench before being substituted in the 68th minute for Moses Simon.
Lookman, who was named Man of the Match for the second time at AFCON 2025 after scoring once and providing two assists, played down any suggestion of a rift with Osimhen.
“I have not seen Osimhen but I don’t think that matters,” Lookman said.
“Vic is our number one guy, everybody knows this, he’s a top striker. So, all of that doesn’t matter.”
Lookman has now scored 3 goals with 4 assists at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Atalanta forward now leads the assists chart at the tournament with four, alongside three goals of his own. Osimhen’s brace took him to three goals in four matches, with two of those strikes set up by Lookman.
Chelle also singled out Alex Iwobi for praise, highlighting the Fulham midfielder’s influence in Nigeria’s midfield.
“Alex Iwobi smells football,” the coach said. “He has a high football IQ. I’m very proud of him and so is the team.”
Super Eagles Technical bench led by Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Getty Images
READ MORE:afcon-2025-lookman-responds-to-osimhen-rift-after-super-eagles-victory
Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals. Asked if he had a preferred opponent, Chelle said he was unconcerned by the outcome of the remaining round-of-16 tie.
“I am not sure I would really like to choose between either,” he said. “Both teams would be tough opponents to play. I look forward to watching their Round of 16 game.”
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Nigeria have now won all four of their matches at AFCON 2025 and remain in pursuit of a first continental title since 2013.
