Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 has been overshadowed by a reported rift between Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman, with sources claiming the Napoli forward is now threatening to quit the national team.
The Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance on Monday evening, responding emphatically to the disappointment of failing to qualify for a second successive World Cup. Goals flowed freely, and Nigeria secured a place in the quarter-finals, where they will face either the Democratic Republic of Congo or Algeria.
Despite the on-field success, tensions flared between Osimhen and Lookman. Early in the match, the duo displayed clear chemistry, with Lookman providing assists for Osimhen to score twice and celebrating together alongside Bruno Onyemaechi. However, frustration grew for Osimhen when several attacking moves bypassed him, including moments when Lookman opted to dribble rather than pass, and teammates Onyemaechi and Akor Adams drove into the box instead of finding him.
The situation escalated after Osimhen squared up aggressively to Lookman while the latter prepared to take a corner. Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to intervene, but Osimhen reportedly pushed him away. Mozambique defender Reinildo had to step in before Osimhen signalled to the bench that he wanted to be substituted, leaving the pitch in the 3–0 lead and making way for Moses Simon.
The drama continued post-match. Osimhen reportedly left the stadium abruptly, dropped his accreditation, and refused to join the team’s media duties, sitting alone on the bus as teammates remained inside. Reports indicate he declared he was “done” with the national team and intended to return to Turkey, prompting senior Nigeria Football Federation officials to intervene. While the federation’s president reportedly sought to pacify him, some staff reportedly preferred giving him space to cool off.
The incident has reignited concerns over Osimhen’s temperament. In June 2024, he had publicly clashed with then-head coach Finidi George on social media, but sources describe this latest episode as a more serious flashpoint within the team.
The timing is particularly sensitive given Lookman’s standout form at the tournament, contributing seven direct goal involvements—three goals and four assists—while Osimhen, three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national scoring record, appeared increasingly frustrated.
Nigeria’s commanding on-field progress in AFCON now contrasts sharply with off-field uncertainty, as the team navigates a potential crisis involving one of its key stars. The Super Eagles remain in the tournament, but attention has shifted from their dominant display to the reported fallout between Osimhen and the squad.
