NFF Quells Osimhen, Lookman Rift After Mozambique Win

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved swiftly to calm fears of disunity in the Super Eagles camp following a heated on-field exchange involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The federation said the incident, which occurred in the second half of the match, was promptly resolved within hours of the encounter.

Super Eagles Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi, dismissed reports of a lingering crisis, describing the altercation as a minor disagreement between teammates.

“There is no problem in the camp. What happened was between two brothers and it was settled shortly after the match,” Enebi said, adding that the team has since returned to training in high spirits.

Nigeria booked a place in the quarter-finals after Osimhen scored twice, while Lookman and Akor Adams added the other goals to complete an emphatic win over the Mozambicans.

However, the encounter was briefly marred when Osimhen, visibly frustrated, berated Lookman and a few other teammates, prompting intervention from fellow players. The Galatasaray striker later signalled to the bench to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon.

After the final whistle, Osimhen headed straight to the dressing room without taking part in the traditional post-match handshake and prayers, a development that sparked widespread reactions on social media over team harmony.

Enebi also clarified concerns surrounding Akor Adams’ absence from part of the team’s activities, explaining that the forward had been granted permission to visit his hospitalised mother in Fes, Morocco, and has since rejoined the squad.

The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the quarter-final clash scheduled for January 10, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as they continue their quest for continental glory.