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A on-field dispute between Nigerian national team stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during their 4-0 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Mozambique has escalated into a potential crisis, with reports suggesting the Galatasaray striker threatened to leave the team camp and return to Türkiye.
The incident occurred during Nigeria's round of 16 match on January 5, when Osimhen, who scored twice in the victory, became visibly frustrated with Lookman after the Atalanta forward failed to pass to him during a promising attacking position. The confrontation led Osimhen to request a substitution in the 68th minute, despite his strong performance.
Nigerian media reports indicate Osimhen's anger persisted well beyond the match itself. According to local sources, the striker left the locker room early and sat alone on the team bus following the game, with no teammates approaching him. The reports claim Osimhen informed technical staff and Nigerian Football Federation officials that he was finished with the national team and intended to return to Türkiye, where he currently plays on loan for Galatasaray from Napoli.
Federation officials are reportedly working to calm the situation and persuade the prolific striker to remain with the squad as Nigeria advances in the continental tournament.
However, some Nigerian journalists have disputed these reports, stating the claims about Osimhen's threatened departure do not reflect reality. The conflicting accounts have added confusion to an already tense situation within the Super Eagles camp.
Both players contributed significantly to Nigeria's convincing victory, with Lookman also registering a goal and an assist alongside Osimhen's brace. The win secured Nigeria's place in the quarterfinals of the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
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Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle addressed the incident following the match, emphasizing that what happens on the field should remain there and urging against magnifying the situation.
"This is a management issue. What happens on the field stays on the field, I don't share it with the media. Everything within the team stays within the team," Chelle said.
Lookman also moved quickly to downplay the confrontation, telling reporters that Osimhen was his brother and there were no problems between them. He characterized the exchange as simply an argument during the match. The Atalanta player later posted photos with Osimhen on his Instagram account with the caption "We can do it together," suggesting an effort at reconciliation.
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