Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has dismissed suggestions of a rift with Victor Osimhen after Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
A brief on-field disagreement between both players during the second half of the round-of-16 tie drew attention with captain Wilfred Ndidi stepping in to calm the situation.
Osimhen appeared visibly frustrated during the exchange and later signalled to the bench before being substituted in the 68th minute for Moses Simon.
Osimhen and Lookman lockhead in Fes. Photo Credit: Phatill
Lookman played down the incident afterwards, saying he had not spoken to Osimhen following the match but stressed that it had no bearing on the team’s objectives.
“Vic is our number one guy, everybody knows this,” he said. “He’s a top striker and important to the team”
The moment did little to disrupt Nigeria’s control of the contest as the 2023 runners-up continued their perfect run at AFCON 2025, extending it to four wins from four matches.
Photo Credit: AFP
Nigeria had already taken a firm grip on the tie in the first half, with Lookman opening the scoring before providing the assist for Osimhen to double the lead.
The Galatasaray striker added his second goal after the break, again finishing from close range, before Akor Adams wrapped up the scoring late on with a powerful strike.
Reflecting further on the post-match discussion around the incident, Lookman added that individual moments were insignificant in the context of the team’s ambition.
“I have not seen Osimhen but I don’t think that matters,” he said. “All of that doesn’t matter.”
Lookman with his second MVP award at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: CAF
Lookman’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award for the second time at the tournament. He now leads the assists chart with four, alongside three goals of his own.
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Osimhen’s brace took him to three goals in four matches, with two of those strikes created by Lookman, underlining their attacking output despite the brief disagreement.
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Both players African Footballer of the Year winners in 2023 and 2024 respectively remain central to Nigeria’s bid for a first AFCON title since 2013 as they prepare for a quarter-final against either Algeria or DR Congo.
