Ademola Lookman moved to ease tensions within the Super Eagles a day after Nigeria’s AFCON win over Mozambique, posting an image with Victor Osimhen captioned, “Together we can.”
The message on his Instagram followed Lookman’s post-match comments on Monday, when he had already played down the disagreement during Nigeria’s 4–0 round-of-16 win.
Photo Credit: Lookman/Instagram
The incident occurred during the match after Osimhen appeared frustrated at not receiving a pass during multiple attacking move and confronted Lookman near the corner flag. Captain Wilfred Ndidi intervened, with Mozambique defender Reinildo also helping to separate the players.
Osimhen, who plays his club football with Galatasaray, later asked to be substituted and was withdrawn in the 68th minute despite Nigeria holding a comfortable lead.
He 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.
The striker left the dressing room early and sat alone on the team bus as team-mates and officials carried out post-match media duties.
Lookman has now scored 3 goals with 4 assists at AFCON 2025. Photo Credit: Getty Images
It was also reported that senior Nigeria Football Federation officials, including the federation’s president, held discussions to calm the situation, with differing views among officials on whether to intervene immediately or allow the player time to cool down.
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. Those claims have not been officially confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation.
Speaking immediately after the match, Lookman dismissed any suggestion of a rift.
“Vic is our number one guy, everybody knows this,” he said. “He’s a top striker. All of that doesn’t matter.”
Head coach Éric Chelle also declined to discuss the incident in detail.
“What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle said. “I keep that to me.”
Photo Credit: AFP
A source within the Nigerian camp has since told Athletic NG that the incident involving all players concerned has now been resolved.
Inside sources added that the squad remains united and fully focused on preparations for the quarter-finals.
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Despite the brief flashpoint, Nigeria were dominant against Mozambique. Lookman scored the opening goal and provided two assists, including one for Osimhen, who netted twice to take his tally to three goals in four matches at AFCON 2025.
Photo Credit: Poojamedia
Lookman was named Man of the Match for the second time at the tournament.
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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.
