The incident between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 match against Mozambique (which Nigeria won 4-0) has polarized the Super Eagles fanbase. Whether you call it passion or arrogance often depends on how you view Osimhen’s leadership style.
The tension boiled over in the 62nd minute. Despite Nigeria being 3-0 up and Lookman having already assisted Osimhen with two goals earlier in the match, Osimhen became furious when Lookman opted to dribble rather than pass to him in a scoring position.
Osimhen was seen yelling, “Listen to me, it is a team game!” and even used the Pidgin phrase, “No try am again” (don’t try that again) and immediately signaled to coach Eric Chelle to be substituted immediately, walked off the pitch, and reportedly headed straight for the team bus after the final whistle, skipping the post-match celebrations.
Supporters of Osimhen argue this is pure passion. For a world-class striker, the game is never “won” until the whistle blows. He wants every chance converted to ensure total dominance.
By shouting “it’s a team game,” he was technically demanding unselfish play, which is a hallmark of a leader, Even at 3-0, he wanted more. This is the same fire that made him African Footballer of the Year.
Critics, including many fans who booed him as he was subbed off, see this as arrogance or petulance. Nigeria was already comfortably winning. Attacking your teammate—especially one like Lookman who had been providing for you all night—felt unnecessary.
Also, demanding to be subbed off by the Coach because you’re angry at a teammate is seen by some as putting personal feelings above the team’s harmony.
Ademola Lookman (the 2024 African Player of the Year) has been in incredible form. Treating him like a junior player on a public stage was viewed by many as a “bossy” move rather than a “brotherly” correction.
Interestingly, Ademola Lookman has been the “cool head” in this situation. In his post-match comments, he dismissed the clash: ”It’s just football. He is my brother and we are just having a football talk on the field. The team won 4-0, that is what matters.”
