Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has played down Victor Osimhen’s reaction towards some teammates during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing the incident as part of the game.
Nigeria secured the victory on Monday night in the round of 16, with Osimhen scoring two goals, while Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net to seal qualification for the quarter-final.
During the second half of the match, Osimhen was involved in a confrontation with Lookman following a missed opportunity.
Other players intervened to calm the situation.
Osimhen later signalled to the bench to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon.
Speaking after the match, Lookman said the incident was not an issue and stressed Osimhen’s importance to the team.
“I have not seen Osimhen but I don’t think that matters, Vic is our number one guy, everybody knows this, he’s a top striker. So, all of that doesn’t matter,” Lookman said.
“It’s just football. It’s always football. He is my brother.”
The incident drew reactions from fans after footage showed Osimhen directing comments at Lookman during the game.
Despite the incident, Lookman recorded two assists and a goal in the match, while Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria progressed to the last eight.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-final scheduled for January 10, as they continue their campaign for a first AFCON title since 2013.
