Nigerian football fans have criticised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following an angry outburst at his teammate, Ademola Lookman, during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The incident happened on Monday during a match that Nigeria largely dominated from start to finish. Despite the comfortable scoreline, a moment of tension between two key players became the main talking point after the game.
Osimhen, who currently plays for Turkish club Galatasaray, was seen shouting angrily at Lookman in the 63rd minute of the match. The Atalanta winger had missed a scoring opportunity at a time when Osimhen appeared to be in a better position to score.
Television cameras captured the striker’s reaction clearly. Osimhen first pulled away from Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, who appeared to be trying to calm him down. He then pointed his finger at Lookman and shouted at him in frustration.
At the end of the exchange, Osimhen was heard saying in Nigerian pidgin, “No try am again,” which loosely translates to “do not try that again.”
The moment quickly spread on social media, drawing strong reactions from fans who felt the striker’s behaviour was unnecessary, especially given the team’s strong performance.
What made the incident more surprising to many fans was the fact that Ademola Lookman had already contributed positively to the game before the outburst. By that point, Lookman had created two clear chances for Osimhen. One of those chances resulted in a direct assist, while the other came through a build-up involving Akor Adams.
Despite this, Osimhen appeared unhappy when Lookman chose to take a chance himself instead of passing the ball.
Shortly after the incident, Osimhen signalled to the bench that he wanted to be substituted. The coaching staff responded by bringing on winger Moses Simon to replace him.
As Osimhen walked off the pitch, a section of the crowd booed him. The reaction from the fans suggested displeasure with his conduct rather than his performance.
The boos marked a rare moment of public disapproval for Osimhen, who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most important players and one of the best strikers in African football.
Following the match, the incident sparked widespread discussion on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Many fans questioned Osimhen’s attitude and leadership on the pitch, especially during a major tournament like the AFCON.
Some supporters said that while frustration can happen during games, publicly shouting at a teammate was wrong and could harm team unity.
“Lookman has been one of our best players in this tournament,” one fan wrote. “There was no need for that kind of reaction.”
Others pointed out that football is a team sport and that missed chances are part of the game. They argued that Osimhen should have encouraged his teammate instead of attacking him.
However, a few fans defended the striker, saying his reaction showed his desire to win and his hunger for goals. They said such emotions are common among top players, especially in high-stakes matches.
Still, the majority of comments called for calm and discipline, warning that such behaviour could create problems in the dressing room if not addressed.
The Super Eagles’ coaching crew has not officially commented on the incident, but sources close to the team say efforts are being made to ensure harmony among the players as the tournament progresses.
Team unity is seen as crucial, especially as Nigeria moves into the later stages of the competition, where matches become tougher and mistakes more costly.
The Super Eagles have impressed many observers with their performances so far. The 4-0 win over Mozambique was one of their most convincing displays in the tournament, showing strength in attack, midfield control, and defensive organisation.
Nigeria’s goals came from different areas of the pitch, highlighting the depth and balance of the squad. Players like Lookman, Ndidi, and Moses Simon have all played key roles in the team’s success.
Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, is expected to lead the attack and inspire the team with both goals and leadership. Because of this, fans often hold him to a higher standard, not just in performance but also in behaviour.
AFCON tournaments are known for their intensity, and emotions often run high. Coaches usually encourage players to channel their anger positively rather than allow it to cause division.
The Super Eagles are now preparing for their quarter-final clash, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Both teams are known for their physical strength and tactical discipline, meaning Nigeria will need full focus and unity to progress.
Nigeria is chasing its first AFCON title since 2013, when the team lifted the trophy under the late coach Stephen Keshi. Since then, the Super Eagles have come close on several occasions but have fallen short.
With a talented squad and strong performances so far, many fans believe this team has what it takes to go all the way. However, they also warn that internal issues, no matter how small, could affect the team’s chances.
The incident between Osimhen and Lookman has now become a reminder that success in football is not only about skill and tactics, but also about teamwork and respect.
As the Super Eagles continue their AFCON journey, supporters will be watching closely to see how the team responds, both on and off the pitch.
For now, the focus remains on the next match, as Nigeria hopes to move one step closer to continental glory and give fans another reason to celebrate.
