Officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have confirmed that the reported disagreement between star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman has been fully resolved, with the Super Eagles now entirely focused on their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal clash against Algeria in Marrakech.
The team is set to face Algeria on Saturday, following the Desert Warriors’ 1-0 extra-time victory over DR Congo in the round of 16. This match is expected to be highly competitive as both sides seek a place in the semifinals of the tournament.
NFF clarifies dressing-room situation
The tension between Osimhen and Lookman occurred during Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Mozambique, when Osimhen appeared frustrated after a missed opportunity, confronting Lookman for not passing the ball to him during a promising attacking move. The confrontation, which saw Osimhen ask to be substituted, quickly attracted widespread attention on social media and in sports media outlets.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, addressed the situation, stressing that the matter had been handled internally and should not distract from the team’s objectives. “The primary reasons and aftermath of the on-the-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been nipped internally,” Efoghe said. “Kindly ignore all reports that suggest otherwise.”
Internal NFF discussions and decision
Sources within the Super Eagles camp revealed that there were differing opinions among NFF board members on how to address the incident. While some members reportedly advocated for disciplinary action against Osimhen for his behavior on the pitch, others, including NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, opted for a more conciliatory and unifying approach, emphasizing team cohesion ahead of the crucial quarterfinal match.
A camp source added that tensions eased after in-depth discussions with both players, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to working together and maintaining discipline as the tournament enters its knockout stages. The focus within the camp is now firmly on winning the quarterfinal match and progressing further in the competition.
Lookman downplays the incident
Ademola Lookman himself has publicly downplayed the confrontation, describing it as a natural, heat-of-the-moment occurrence that can happen in competitive football. “The team won 4-0. Victor is our number one guy. Everybody knows this,” Lookman said. “There’s no issue. It’s just football… He is my brother.” His comments have helped to calm any lingering speculation about a rift within the squad.
Preparations shift to Marrakech
The Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to Marrakech on Thursday to begin final preparations for their quarterfinal encounter with Algeria. Training sessions have been organized to ensure peak physical condition and tactical readiness for the high-stakes match.
Efoghe also confirmed that forward Akor Adams, who briefly left the camp to visit his hospitalized mother, has rejoined the squad and resumed full training. “He only left the hotel briefly and returned before lunchtime,” Efoghe said. Additionally, the team conducted a recovery session with 26 players present, while defender Ryan Alebiosu continues his rehabilitation following an injury.
With unity restored and discipline reinforced, the Super Eagles are entering the decisive phase of the 2025 AFCON with renewed focus and determination. The coaching staff and players alike have emphasized the importance of collective effort, tactical awareness, and maintaining team harmony as they seek to secure a semifinal berth and compete for the championship title.