- Safiu Kehinde
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has doused tenson arising from his clash with fellow countryman, Victor Osimhen, during Nigeria’s match against Mozambique on Monday.
Osimhen had yesterday showed visible frustration during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique at Fes Sports Complex, raising brief concerns in the Super Eagles’ round-of-16 AFCON clash.
The Galatasaray forward, who scored twice, reacted after Ademola Lookman missed a passing option.
This prompted momentary tension towards the end of the game as Osimhen was seen furiously talking to Lookman before the striker was substituted in the 70th minute.
Speaking after the match, Lookman dismissed talk of any rift, insisting team unity and winning remained Nigeria’s priority at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 2024 African Player of the Year described Osimhen’s hunger and fight as a driving force behind the team’s accomplishment in the tournament.
“Victor is our number one guy,
“He’s a top striker, vital to us. Moments like that happen, but they don’t change our togetherness.
“I play for the badge and my teammates; assists or goals, the team comes first.
“Victor’s hunger drives us. We understand each other and keep pushing.”
“We stay calm, respect decisions, and focus on the next game,” Lookman said.
According to reports, Osimhen has so far recorded three goals and three assists, while Lookman leads with three goals and four assists, underlining Nigeria’s attacking depth.
Nigeria have won all four matches at the tournament and await either DR Congo or Algeria in the quarter-finals.