Victor Osimhen is reported to have threatened to quit the Super Eagles following a heated on-field dispute with Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident overshadowed a dominant round-of-16 performance that secured Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals and extended their perfect record at the tournament.
Osimhen became increasingly frustrated during the second half after a series of attacking moves in which he was not passed to in promising positions. The tensions boiled over when Lookman walked over to take a corner, at which point Osimhen confronted his team-mate.
Osimhen and Lookman lockhead in Fes. Photo Credit: Phatill
Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to intervene but was unable to immediately calm the striker. Moments later, Osimhen signalled to the bench that he wanted to be substituted and was replaced in the 68th minute by Moses Simon.
The Galatasaray striker left the pitch visibly upset and, at full-time, walked straight down the tunnel while the rest of the squad and coaching staff gathered on the pitch. He later left the dressing room early and sat alone in the team bus as team-mates carried out media duties.
According to Arise News, Osimhen subsequently dropped his accreditation and told officials he was “done” with the national team and intended to return to Turkey.
Photo Credit: AFP
It was reported that senior Nigeria Football Federation officials, including the federation’s president, attempted to calm the situation, with differing views among officials on whether to intervene immediately or allow the player time to cool down.
Neither Osimhen nor the Nigeria Football Federation has issued an official statement on this issue.
Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle declined to discuss the details of the incident, insisting it would be dealt with internally.
“What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle said. “I don’t need to tell you what will happen, I keep that to me.”
Super Eagles Technical bench led by Eric Chelle. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Despite the flashpoint, Nigeria were firmly in control of the match. Ademola Lookman opened the scoring before providing two assists, including one for Osimhen, who scored twice to take his tally to three goals in four matches at AFCON 2025.
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Lookman, who was named Man of the Match for the second time at the tournament, later played down any suggestion of a lasting issue 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 with his second MVP award at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: CAF
Chelle also praised Alex Iwobi’s performance in midfield, describing the Fulham player as influential in Nigeria’s dominance.
“Alex Iwobi smells football,” Chelle said. “He has a high football IQ. I’m very proud of him and so is the team.”
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Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid for a first Africa Cup of Nations title since 2013.
