Ademola Lookman has downplayed the brief confrontation between himself and Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s convincing 4-0 win over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the moment was nothing more than a normal part of the game.
Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Monday to book their place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, with Osimhen netting a brace, while Lookman and Akor Adams completed the scoring in a match that underlined the Super Eagles’ attacking strength.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, the encounter was momentarily overshadowed by a tense exchange in the second half when Osimhen appeared frustrated with Lookman following a passage of play. The disagreement quickly drew attention as teammates stepped in to defuse the situation on the pitch.
Osimhen, still visibly unhappy moments later, gestured toward the technical bench requesting to be substituted. The Galatasaray forward was shortly taken off, making way for Moses Simon as Nigeria comfortably saw out the match.
Addressing the incident after the final whistle, Lookman dismissed suggestions of any rift between the two attackers, stressing that there was no lingering issue between them.
“I have not seen Osimhen but I don’t think that matters. Vic is our number one guy, everybody knows this, he’s a top striker. So, all of that doesn’t matter,” Lookman said.
“It’s just football. It’s always football. He is my brother.”
Nigeria’s focus now shifts to the quarter-final stage, where the Super Eagles will meet either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 10, as they continue their pursuit of a fourth AFCON crown and build momentum in the tournament.
What you should know
The exchange between Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen has been played down by the players themselves, with both remaining central figures in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.
Such moments are not uncommon in high-stakes matches and often reflect the competitive drive of elite players rather than deeper conflict.
With Nigeria advancing convincingly to the quarter-finals, the Super Eagles’ unity, squad depth and attacking firepower remain key factors as they aim to add another continental title to their history.
