Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian international and Atalanta forward, has dismissed claims of a rift with his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen, following a brief on-field exchange during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The incident, which occurred in the 63rd minute of the match, was widely captured on television and social media, showing Osimhen visibly frustrated at Lookman after the winger missed a scoring opportunity. The footage, which quickly went viral, showed Osimhen pointing his finger at Lookman and shouting “No try am again,” leading to public speculation that there was tension between the two forwards.
However, Lookman has insisted that the episode was nothing more than a routine discussion during the heat of the game. Speaking after Nigeria’s emphatic win, he downplayed the reports of disagreement, stressing that there was no personal issue between him and Osimhen.
“Nothing happened. We were just discussing on the pitch, that’s it,” Lookman told reporters. When asked whether he had spoken to Osimhen following the incident, he replied, “No, I haven’t seen him yet.”
The winger further questioned the attention the episode had received in the media and among fans. “I don’t know what the big issue is,” he added, reflecting the Super Eagles’ general approach to maintaining focus and harmony within the squad.
Despite the social media frenzy surrounding the Osimhen-Lookman exchange, Lookman’s primary concern remains Nigeria’s progress in the AFCON tournament. He expressed satisfaction with both his personal performance and the collective growth of the team.
“It’s been great. The team is improving every single day. I scored goals today,” Lookman said, highlighting his contributions to Nigeria’s dominant win over Mozambique, which included multiple well-coordinated attacks and clinical finishing.
Lookman’s comments highlight the Super Eagles’ positive momentum in the competition. The team has demonstrated a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity, drawing praise from fans and analysts alike. Observers noted that the combination of veteran players and younger talents like Lookman has strengthened Nigeria’s squad and boosted morale.
The brief confrontation between Osimhen and Lookman occurred after a missed chance during Nigeria’s second-half attacks. While Osimhen, the Napoli striker and captain of Nigeria’s forward line, appeared frustrated, commentators pointed out that such moments are common in high-stakes matches, particularly when players are eager to secure goals for their team.
Many football analysts and former players have since commented that Osimhen’s reaction, though emotionally charged, reflects the competitive intensity of professional football. Tensions during games often arise, and resolving them quickly within the team is crucial to maintaining performance and cohesion.
Following the incident, Osimhen requested to be substituted, and Moses Simon came on in his place. The substitution and the booing he received from a section of the crowd drew further attention to the episode, but Lookman has made it clear that the issue has not affected the overall unity of the team.
Lookman’s remarks highlight the Super Eagles’ approach to managing internal dynamics. Nigeria’s coaching staff has emphasized that maintaining team harmony is essential for success in continental tournaments like AFCON, where every match can be decisive.
The Super Eagles have faced similar challenges in past tournaments, where brief disagreements or heated exchanges among teammates occasionally made headlines. In most cases, coaching staff and senior players quickly intervened to restore focus, a practice that seems to be effective again in the current campaign.
Nigeria now faces either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in the quarter-finals. The match promises to be another tough challenge for the Super Eagles as they continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title, their first since 2013.
Lookman stressed that the team’s focus remains firmly on preparation and performance rather than off-field speculation. “The finals of the game is something to look forward to. Another big battle awaits us, and we need to be ready,” he said, signaling his determination to concentrate on Nigeria’s ultimate objective: winning the tournament.
Fans believe that managing pressure and maintaining unity will be critical for the team as they advance. The Super Eagles are aware that high-profile incidents, even minor ones, can draw media attention and public scrutiny, potentially affecting performance if not handled properly.
The response from Lookman also sends a message to fans and the media about professionalism in football. While passionate reactions on social media often exaggerate small moments, the players themselves maintain focus on their responsibilities on the pitch.
His calm and measured remarks may help reduce tension among supporters who were concerned about potential conflicts within the squad. It also reinforces the notion that disagreements during matches are normal and do not necessarily indicate a breakdown in relationships among teammates.