Ademola Lookman has moved swiftly to defuse tensions surrounding Victor Osimhen, insisting Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique matters far more than any touchline disagreement.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Lookman was asked directly about his on-field argument with Osimhen and whether the pair had spoken since full time.
“I have not seen him but I don’t really think that is important,” Lookman said. “The team won 4-0. Vic is our number one guy. Everybody knows this. He is a top striker and a top player. All the rest of that is not important.”
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle also played down the incident, refusing to allow it to dominate the narrative of a dominant team display.
“What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle stated.
Midfield anchor and captain Wilfred Ndidi went even further, attempting to close the matter entirely. “Everything is fine, everyone is together,” he told reporters, suggesting the squad remains united as they prepare for a quarter-final clash against either DR Congo or Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday.
Despite the public reassurances, the confrontation cast an unfortunate shadow over what was otherwise one of Nigeria’s most complete performances of the tournament.
Beyond the controversy, there were numerous positives. Akor Adams, the often-overlooked third member of Nigeria’s front line, capped the win with a goal he dedicated to his mother, revealing afterward that she is currently in hospital. Alex Iwobi was sublime, producing two exquisite passes in the build-up to the opening goals. Substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru impressed again in a lively cameo, while Bruno Onyemaechi continued to justify his status as first-choice left-back with another assured display.
Nigeria is flying on the pitch, growing in confidence and cohesion with each game. Yet, as this episode showed, the Super Eagles also possess a knack for generating unwanted distractions.
For now, Lookman’s message is clear: the goals, the win, and the march toward AFCON glory matter far more than any moment of frustration between teammates.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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