Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique to seal a place in the AFCON quarter-finals was overshadowed by dramatic scenes involving Victor Osimhen, who is now reportedly threatening to walk away from the national team.
The Super Eagles delivered one of their most dominant performances of the tournament on Monday evening, responding impressively to the disappointment of failing to qualify for a second successive World Cup. Goals flowed, confidence surged, and a potential reunion with the Democratic Republic of Congo now awaits in the last eight.
Yet, instead of celebration, attention quickly shifted to a brewing rift between Osimhen and Ademola Lookman that boiled over spectacularly on the pitch.
The trouble was all the more startling because it followed moments of obvious chemistry. In the 25th minute, Alex Iwobi’s sublime pass released Lookman, who squared for Osimhen to score. The pair celebrated together, sliding across the wet turf with Bruno Onyemaechi. Shortly after half-time, Lookman again turned provider, leaping into Osimhen’s arms after setting him up once more.
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He squared up to his teammate, pointing aggressively in his face. Captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to intervene, only for Osimhen to slap his arm away. In a bizarre twist, it was Mozambique defender Reinildo who stepped in to push him back. Osimhen then signalled to the bench that he wanted to be substituted and was promptly replaced by Moses Simon, despite Nigeria cruising at 3–0.
The drama did not end there.
At full time, Osimhen walked straight down the tunnel while the rest of the squad and coaching staff formed a huddle on the pitch. He left the dressing room early and sat alone on the team bus as teammates remained inside conducting media duties. Those present described a striking absence of effort to console or check on the vice-captain.
Now, the situation appears to have escalated further.
Confirmed reports from within the camp say Osimhen stormed out of the stadium after the match, dropped his accreditation, and declared he was “done” with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey. It is understood that senior Nigeria Football Federation figures moved to reach him, with the federation’s president reportedly seeking to pacify the striker. However, some officials were said to believe he should be left alone to cool off.
Osimhen’s outburst has revived concerns about his temperament. In June 2024, he publicly clashed with then-head coach Finidi George on social media, but this latest episode is viewed by many around the team as a more serious flashpoint.
The timing is especially sensitive. Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer at this AFCON, recording seven direct goal contributions (three goals, four assists), the most in the tournament. Osimhen, adored by fans and just three goals shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time national record, has cut a more frustrated figure.
For now, Nigeria’s commanding progress at AFCON has been pushed into the background. The Super Eagles are through, flying on the pitch but off it, they face an unsettling crisis, with their star striker reportedly threatening to walk away from the badge. (Arise News)
