Nigeria cruised to a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique at Fez Stadium on Monday, with Osimhen scoring twice, and Lookman and Akor Adams adding one goal apiece. The victory reinforced Nigeria’s status as serious contenders, but the match was briefly overshadowed by a confrontation between the country’s two former African Players of the Year.
The incident occurred shortly after the hour mark when Osimhen appeared to voice frustration at Lookman over a missed scoring opportunity. A video that quickly circulated online showed the Galatasaray striker seemingly confronting his teammate, before requesting to be substituted. At full time, Osimhen walked directly into the dressing room, leaving the stadium ahead of his teammates.
While Lookman, who was named Man of the Match for his performance, dismissed any notion of lingering tension, the NFF confirmed that the matter had been settled internally.
“There is no problem whatsoever in our camp. Whatever people saw as a crisis between two brothers was easily resolved a couple of hours later. All is good,” Team Administrator Dayo Enebi said in a statement on Tuesday evening.
Similarly, Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe refuted circulating claims that Osimhen had threatened to leave the camp.
“The primary issues and the aftermath of the on-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been resolved internally. Kindly ignore all reports suggesting otherwise,” Efoghe stated.
Despite these reassurances, the incident has sparked debate among former internationals, pundits, and football administrators, with opinions divided over how the striker’s behavior should be handled.
Veteran journalist Charles Anazodo suggested that Osimhen be dropped from Nigeria’s starting lineup ahead of their quarter-final clash, warning that failing to do so might send the wrong message about the player’s influence. Veteran pundit Segun Agbede agreed that Osimhen must recognize he is not bigger than the team.
Football administrator Deji Gbenro took a sterner view, calling for Osimhen to be sent home, while former international Obafemi Abiodun stressed that an apology could avert harsher sanctions. “There must be open remorse to keep team spirit intact; without remorse, there should be no forgiveness for the sake of precedence,” Abiodun said.
Other former players, however, urged calm and perspective. Sylvanus Okpala, 1980 AFCON winner, noted that such tensions are not uncommon on the pitch. “We were leading 3–0, some players want to gamble while others want to score more. I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said. Former goalkeeper trainer Alloy Agu and ex-winger Garba Lawal echoed the call for focus, emphasizing the team’s collective responsibility ahead of upcoming matches.
Even within the squad, the episode was framed as healthy competition. Captain Wilfred Ndidi described the confrontation as a reflection of the players’ “competitive mindset” and confirmed that it had been addressed in the dressing room.
With the Super Eagles now through to the quarter-finals, they will face Algeria, who defeated DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in Marrakesh on Saturday. Nigeria will be hoping that the team’s unity remains intact as they chase another continental crown.