Arise TV anchor Rufai Oseni has criticised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following his on-pitch confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria recorded the victory on Monday night in the round-of-16 encounter, with Osimhen scoring twice, while Lookman and Akor Adams also got on the scoresheet to secure a place in the quarter-final.
The incident occurred in the second half after Lookman missed a scoring opportunity, leading to a confrontation between both players.
Other teammates stepped in to calm the situation.
Osimhen later gestured to the bench requesting to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon.
Reacting to the incident on Arise News Global Sports Update on Tuesday, Mr Oseni questioned Osimhen’s conduct on the pitch.
“With due respect, they said Osimhen wants to go to Turkey, he should be going. What nonsense? What nonsense attitude?” Oseni said.
He also compared Osimhen’s achievements with those of Lookman.
“What Ademola Lookman has achieved, you have also achieved. You’re both African Footballer of the Year. Why are you doing this?” he asked, while demonstrating with a raised shoulder gesture.
Oseni further called for disciplinary action, stating that Osimhen should apologise before returning to the team.
“Put your hands down. This is the only way we can bring discipline. The only way Osimhen should be allowed back into the team is after he apologises to his teammate,” he said.
He also criticised Osimhen’s reported reaction after the confrontation.
“What he should apologise for is throwing his accreditation and saying, ‘I’m done, I want to go to Turkey.’ They should rent a private jet for him to go,” Oseni said.
Rufai Oseni added that Osimhen is not indispensable to the team.
“Are you God? If he goes and they win the Nations Cup behind him, which I want them to win, that is when he’ll know that you’re not indispensable. You’re there today, people were there before you,” he said.
In the match, Lookman recorded a goal and two assists, while Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria advanced to the last eight.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-final on January 10 as they continue their campaign for a first AFCON title since 2013.
