Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has downplayed his on-pitch altercation with Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s 4–0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the incident was purely about football and nothing personal.
Gatekeepers News reports that “No, I have not seen him [Osimhen] yet. Nothing happened. It was just a discussion on the pitch. That is it,” Lookman told reporters in Fez after the match.
“It’s just football. It’s always football. He [Victor Osimhen] is my brother,” added the Atalanta winger, who scored twice as the Super Eagles dominated the Mambas.
During the match, Osimhen and Lookman exchanged words after Osimhen grew frustrated at not receiving a pass despite being in a better position to score, even though Lookman had assisted him for Nigeria’s first goal. Osimhen was later substituted and left the field immediately after the final whistle, prompting debate among fans over his relationship with teammates.
“It is a team game,” Osimhen was heard telling Lookman on the pitch, pointing to him during the incident.
Despite the spat, the game ended emphatically for Nigeria. Osimhen scored twice, Lookman scored one, and Akor Adams added another, marking Nigeria’s largest victory so far at the 2025 AFCON. Lookman was named man of the match for the second time in the tournament.
Lookman currently leads the tournament charts with three goals and four assists in three matches, showcasing his influence on the team’s attacking play.
The Super Eagles will next face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals, with the two sides meeting on Tuesday to determine the opponent.
Nigeria were runners-up in the previous AFCON, losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
