What should have been a comfortable celebration for the Super Eagles following their 4-nil win over Mozambique was overshadowed by tense on-field incident involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
With Nigeria leading 3-nil and Osimhen pushing for a hat-trick, frustration boiled over after a number of attacking moves failed to end with the striker.
Osimhen was seen confronting Lookman following a moment where the winger chose to dribble past defenders instead of passing to the gala striker.
The former Napoli forward later asked to be substituted, a decision the coach approved, before Akor Adams went on to score Nigeria’s fourth goal from a similar attacking situation.
At full time, Osimhen did not join his teammates in the on-field celebrations, heading straight down the tunnel and later remaining alone on the team bus while others attended to media duties.
The incident has raised concerns over discipline and unity within the squad as Nigeria continues its quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON title. It also brings renewed attention to Osimhen’s temperament, following a public disagreement with former head coach Finidi George in June 2024.
As the Super Eagles move deeper into the tournament, maintaining focus, cohesion and collective responsibility will be crucial to their title ambitions.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
