THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed reports of a crisis in the Super Eagles camp at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, confirming that the on-field altercation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique has been amicably resolved.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Nigeria delivered one of its most dominant performances of the tournament on Monday night at the Fez Stadium, with Osimhen netting a brace, while Lookman and Akor Adams added a goal each to dismantle the Mozambicans and secure a place in the quarter-finals.
However, the comprehensive win was briefly overshadowed by a heated exchange between Osimhen and Lookman shortly after the hour mark. Television footage and viral social media videos showed Osimhen confronting Lookman over an apparent missed passing opportunity in a promising attacking move.
Moments later, the Galatasaray striker signalled to the bench and was substituted, before heading straight down the tunnel at full time, fuelling speculation of internal unrest within the squad.
Addressing the controversy, the NFF insisted there was no lingering issue between the two players.
“There is no problem whatsoever in our camp,” Super Eagles Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, said in a statement released Tuesday evening.
“Whatever people saw as a crisis between two brothers was easily resolved a couple of hours later. All is good.”
The Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, also debunked reports suggesting Osimhen had threatened to leave the team camp.
“The primary issues and the aftermath of the on-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been resolved internally,” Efoghe said.
“Kindly ignore all reports suggesting otherwise.”
Lookman, who was named Man of the Match after an outstanding display, also dismissed claims of a rift during his post-match interview, insisting the incident was part of football’s competitive nature.
Despite the federation’s reassurances, the incident has generated widespread debate among former internationals, coaches, administrators and football analysts, with opinions sharply divided on Osimhen’s conduct.
Veteran journalist Charles Anazodo called for disciplinary action, insisting the striker should be dropped from the starting line-up.
“If the coach doesn’t drop Osimhen, it shows that he is bigger than the entire team and the NFF,” Anazodo said during a radio programme.
Football analyst Segun Agbede warned that unchecked behaviour could undermine team authority.
“This is the consequence of his outburst against Finidi, which he got away with,” Agbede said.
“I don’t think he should be dropped, but he must understand he is not bigger than the team. We have created a monster, and it’s time to tame the monster.”
Football administrator Deji Gbenro was more critical, calling for Osimhen to be sent home.
“Have you seen any teammate shout at him for missing chances or straying into offside positions?” Gbenro asked.
“He should apologise to his teammates and coaches. That behaviour is unacceptable.”
Former international and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist, Obafemi Abiodun, advocated a balanced approach.
“Sending him home may be too extreme if he apologises,” he said.
“But if there is no open remorse, he should be sent home. Team spirit must come first.”
In contrast, former Super Eagles winger and 1980 AFCON winner, Sylvanus Okpala, downplayed the incident, describing it as normal in competitive football.
“As a coach, these things happen,” Okpala said.
“We were leading 3–0; some players want to gamble, others want to score more. I don’t see a big issue there.”
Former goalkeeping trainer Alloy Agu and ex-winger Garba Lawal also urged calm and unity as Nigeria prepares for the knockout stage.
“No matter what happens, there is another game ahead. Issues must be resolved quickly,” Agu said.
Lawal added, “This matter should be put aside so the team can focus.”
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed similar sentiments, describing the incident as a product of competitive desire.
“It was just a competitive mindset,” Ndidi told ESPN.
“We wanted more. When two people want the same thing badly, this happens. We spoke about it in the dressing room and everything is fine.”
Nigeria, three-time African champions, will face Algeria in a highly anticipated quarter-final clash after the North Africans edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in Marrakesh.