Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has addressed the on field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The moment, which occurred during Nigeria’s round-of-16 encounter, briefly drew attention as the two attackers appeared visibly animated on the pitch. However, Chelle insists the disagreement never posed a threat to team harmony.
Speaking to RMC Radio, the Nigerian coach explained that the exchange stemmed from a tactical discussion during open play.
“On the pitch, there was a discussion with Lookman. Victor told him, ‘We need to stop playing in front of goal like this.’ Things got a bit heated, a minor clash but that’s just part of life in a dressing room,” Chelle said.
Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Imago
Chelle revealed that Osimhen was initially frustrated after the match and returned to the dressing room in an agitated mood, but the situation quickly settled.
“At the end of the match, he came back angry and needed time to cool off. Once he did, he was back to being the Victor we all know. There was never any question of him not playing against Algeria,” the coach added.
According to Chelle, no managerial intervention was required, as both players resolved the matter privately shortly after the game.
“What happens in the dressing room stays in the dressing room. I didn’t need to intervene. When we got back to the hotel, the two of them talked it out, and that was the end of it.”
Osimhen and Lookman. Photo Credit: Imago
Osimhen, who appeared the more animated of the duo during the incident, was reportedly frustrated by what he felt were repeated poor decisions in attacking areas.
He did not publicly address the episode during the remainder of the tournament and was seen heading straight to the team bus after the match, rather than celebrating with teammates.
Lookman, meanwhile, played down the incident during his post-match press conference, insisting there were no lingering issues within the squad.
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Chelle reiterated Osimhen’s importance to the team, describing him as a key leader within the group.
“Vic is our number one guy everybody knows this. He’s a top striker and very important to the team,” he said.
Lookman and Osimhen celebrating together. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Both players, African Footballer of the Year winners in 2023 and 2024 respectively, played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
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Lookman finished the tournament with three goals and four assists, while Osimhen ended as the second-highest scorer, recording four goals and two assists.
