Fans Boo Osimhen Despite Super Eagles’ Dominant Round-of-16 Victory

Nigeria’s 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 was marred by controversy after striker Victor Osimhen clashed with teammate Ademola Lookman on the pitch.

Osimhen, who scored twice in the emphatic win, was visibly furious in the 62nd minute after Lookman failed to pass to him during an attacking move. Television cameras captured the Galatasaray forward angrily gesturing and warning his teammate in pidgin English, saying, “No try am again,” meaning “don’t do that again.” Captain Wilfred Ndidi intervened in an attempt to calm tensions.

Shortly after the incident, Osimhen requested to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon in the 68th minute, leaving the pitch to boos from sections of the crowd.

The striker’s conduct has drawn criticism from fans and commentators, including Ibraheem Abdullateef, Senior Special Assistant on Communications to the Kwara State Governor, who wrote on X that while Osimhen is “a big talent,” his attitude toward teammates could harm team spirit and creativity. Many fans on social media echoed similar concerns, describing his actions as unnecessary and unprofessional, particularly in a match Nigeria was comfortably winning.

Despite the incident, Lookman—who scored once and provided two assists in the match—played down the altercation, insisting that team unity remains strong.

“Victor is our number one guy and a top striker. Moments like that happen, but they don’t affect our togetherness. Whether assists or goals, the team always comes first,” he said.

Osimhen’s brace has now taken his Super Eagles goal tally to 34, bringing him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s longstanding national record of 37 goals. Nigeria’s victory secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face either Algeria or DR Congo.

While the Super Eagles continue their impressive run in the tournament, the incident has reignited conversations about discipline, composure, and team harmony as Nigeria pushes for its first AFCON title since 2013.