The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the brief on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Monday’s Round of 16 clash against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has been fully resolved.
Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe addressed the issue via the team’s official media channel, stressing that the matter was dealt with internally and that there are no lingering concerns between the two forwards.
“The matter has been resolved within the team. We advise everyone to ignore all reports suggesting otherwise,” Efoghe said, calling on fans and the media to disregard claims of any rift.
The incident occurred in the 64th minute of a match Nigeria dominated from start to finish. Prior to the confrontation, both Osimhen and Lookman were instrumental in what proved to be the Super Eagles’ most emphatic knockout performance of the tournament.
Nigeria stormed to a commanding 4-0 victory, with Lookman opening the scoring before turning provider for Osimhen, who netted twice to put the result beyond doubt.
Lookman’s influence was evident throughout the encounter, as he also supplied two assists, both converted by Osimhen, highlighting his creative impact in attack.
Despite the comfortable lead, Osimhen, who currently plays his club football with Galatasaray, appeared frustrated after a missed passing opportunity while in a promising scoring position, leading to a brief exchange with Lookman.
Moments later, the striker gestured toward the bench and requested to be substituted, with Moses Simon introduced as Nigeria reshuffled in the closing stages.
At the final whistle, Osimhen headed straight down the tunnel, while the rest of the squad gathered at the centre of the pitch to celebrate their progression.
Lookman later downplayed the incident after receiving the Man of the Match award, insisting the disagreement was minor and exaggerated.
“These things happen in football. We’re focused on winning for Nigeria. There is no issue,” he said during post-match media duties.
After progressing to the quarter-final stage, the Super Eagles are set to face Algeria.
