Drama In Eagles Camp As Osimhen Threatens To Quit Super Eagles

Drama In Eagles Camp As Osimhen Threatens To Quit Super Eagles
Osimhen clashed with Lookman during the match and requested substitution
The incident has raised concerns about team unity going forward

Nigeria booked a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding four nil victory over Mozambique on Monday night, but the emphatic win was marred by a heated confrontation involving Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles delivered one of their most convincing performances of the tournament, brushing aside Mozambique’s Mambas to advance to the last eight and set up a potential clash with DR Congo.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the result also helped ease lingering frustration from Nigeria’s failure to qualify for a second consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Despite the dominant display, attention quickly shifted from the scoreline to events on the pitch involving Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman.

The tension came after a strong start marked by clear attacking cohesion. In the twenty fifth minute, Alex Iwobi carved open the defence with a precise through pass, allowing Lookman to square the ball for Osimhen, who finished clinically to open the scoring. The goal was celebrated jointly by Osimhen, Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Moments after the restart, Lookman was again involved, providing another assist and celebrating enthusiastically with Osimhen after creating another clear chance.

However, the Napoli striker soon showed visible frustration as several attacking moves failed to find him. Osimhen reacted angrily when Lookman opted to dribble instead of passing in a promising position. He also expressed displeasure when Onyemaechi and Akor Adams drove into the penalty area rather than squaring the ball.

The situation escalated when Lookman moved to take a corner kick. Osimhen confronted him aggressively, pointing at his face. Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to intervene but was unable to defuse the situation. In a rare moment, Mozambique defender Reinildo Mandava stepped in to separate the pair.

Osimhen then gestured toward the bench, requesting to be substituted. He was immediately withdrawn and replaced by Moses Simon, even though Nigeria were comfortably leading three nil at the time.

According to Arise TV, Osimhen went straight down the tunnel at full time while teammates and officials remained on the pitch. Reports added that he left the dressing room early and sat alone on the team bus as others carried out media duties.

Further reports from within the camp claimed the striker later exited the stadium visibly upset, dropped his accreditation and declared he was done with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey.

Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation were said to have made efforts to reach him, with senior figures attempting to calm the situation, although some reportedly believed he should be given time to cool off.

The episode has reignited concerns over Osimhen’s temperament, months after his public disagreement with former coach Finidi George in June twenty twenty four.

The timing is sensitive, as Lookman has emerged as Nigeria’s standout performer at this tournament, recording seven direct goal contributions with three goals and four assists, the highest tally so far.

Osimhen remains a fan favourite and is three goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s all time national team scoring record, but he has appeared increasingly frustrated in recent outings.