Following Victor Osimhen’s tense on-field altercation with Ademola Lookman following Nigeria’s decisive victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has hinted that Osimhen may face repercussions.
The Super Eagles won 4-0 on Monday night to secure a spot in the quarterfinals of the continental extravaganza, but the flashpoint occurred in the second half of the Round of 16 match.
Television cameras saw Osimhen and Lookman in a heated dispute while the Super Eagles were already ahead by three goals. Both players were obviously upset as they exchanged words on the field.
Osimhen indicated his desire to be replaced to the bench a short while later. In response, Chelle replaced him with Paul Onuachu.
There was more to the situation. When the final whistle blew, the Galatasaray forward chose not to join his teammates for the post-match festivities and instead went straight down the tunnel.
During his post-match press conference, Chelle addressed the incident, stating that it would be handled internally and declining to be pulled into specifics.
“What transpired on the field will remain within the team,” the coach declared.
“I keep it to myself; I don’t need to tell you what will happen.”
Even if Osimhen had a successful evening in front of goal, the drama nevertheless transpired. With Lookman scoring once and setting up Osimhen’s brace with two assists, the three-time African champions had taken a dominating lead and increased the striker’s tournament total to three goals.
Midway through the second half, though, a promising team move went down, causing tensions to escalate. Shouting at Lookman, Osimhen seemed irritated at a delayed pass.
After the striker asked to be removed off the field, some members of the crowd expressed their discontent by booing him as he departed the field.
