Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has firmly addressed the recent on-field confrontation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, making it clear that the matter will be handled exclusively within the team environment and that no details will be aired publicly. Chelle emphasized that unity, discipline, and collective accountability are absolute non-negotiables for the squad, especially during high-stakes tournament matches such as the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
Speaking immediately after Nigeria’s convincing 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, Chelle underscored the importance of maintaining internal cohesion. He dismissed speculation and rumors about the altercation, stating that the team’s focus must remain on achieving the larger goal of winning the tournament. “What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle asserted during his post-match press conference on Monday. “I don’t need to tell you what will happen; I keep that to me. This team is about unity and focus. There is no room for egos here. We have a goal, and everything we do is geared towards achieving that goal.”
Flashpoint during comfortable lead
The incident occurred in the 63rd minute of the match at the Fez Stadium. Nigeria had established a commanding 3-0 lead, with Osimhen already having scored twice. Lookman, positioned in an attacking situation, opted to take a shot at goal instead of passing to an unmarked Osimhen, who was in a perfect position to complete a potential hat-trick. This decision prompted an immediate reaction from Osimhen, who pointed, gestured, and shouted at Lookman in visible frustration. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, along with other teammates, quickly intervened to calm the situation and prevent escalation on the pitch.
Shortly after the incident, Osimhen was substituted and appeared noticeably upset as he headed directly down the tunnel, bypassing the post-match celebrations. The display of frustration, however, did not affect the team’s overall performance, as Nigeria maintained dominance throughout the game and secured an emphatic victory.
Squad closes ranks ahead of quarter-final
Inside the camp, Chelle and team officials have prioritized damage control, ensuring that the altercation does not affect morale or focus. Lookman publicly minimized the incident, referring to Osimhen as the team’s “number one guy” and stressing that the disagreement was minor in the broader context of the team’s success. Similarly, Ndidi reinforced the message of solidarity, confirming that all players remain fully aligned with the coaching staff and united in their pursuit of the team’s objectives.
The Super Eagles’ emphatic performance against Mozambique has now secured their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will face either Algeria or DR Congo. The team continues to focus on progressing in the tournament with the ultimate aim of claiming a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title. Chelle reiterated that while competitive tensions are natural in high-level football, such moments are addressed internally to maintain a strong, cohesive squad prepared for the challenges ahead.
As preparations intensify for the next round, the focus remains on tactical discipline, teamwork, and mental resilience, ensuring that the team’s attention stays on winning matches rather than off-field controversies. Chelle’s handling of the situation has been praised by analysts for reinforcing the importance of squad harmony and professional conduct in elite football.