Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has blamed Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stressing his public confrontation with Ademola Lookman damaged team unity.
The West African football heavyweights quest of securing their fourth AFCON title in the North African country dashed after succumbing to a penalty shootouts defeat to Morocco in a crunch semi-final clash.
Nigeria enjoyed an impressive start to the tournament, going unbeaten in the group stage through to the round 16 and quarterfinals before their semi-final defeat to Morocco. The Super Eagles ended up finishing in the third position, after beating Egypt on penalties.
Osimhen confronted Lookman despite Nigeria crushing a resounding 4-0 victory over Mozambique.
For Oliseh, the incident affected confidence, noting Lookman’s dip after earlier starring displays.
“Let’s look at the toxicity that might have caused us… the AFCON title,” Oliseh said, adding that “talent is not license to destroy team chemistry.” He argued that “since that public outburst… Lookman became a shadow of himself.”
Oliseh also cited Osimhen’s past criticism of coaches, warning that “Scoring goals… doesn’t give you a license to disrespect.” He concluded that without discipline, Nigeria risks losing its edge.
