Osimhen Threatens To Quit Super Eagles After AFCON Clash With Lookman

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has threatened to quit the Nigerian national team over his recent rift with teammate Ademola Lookman.

Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique, which secured a spot in the AFCON quarter-finals, was overshadowed by tensions between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

It was gathered that Osimhen dropped his accreditation and threatened to quit Nigeria’s AFCON squad entirely after his bust-up with Lookman on the pitch.

On Monday, the Super Eagles put on one of their strongest performances of the tournament, bouncing back from the disappointment of missing out on a second straight World Cup.

The team looked confident, and a quarter-final meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo awaits.

But instead of celebrating the 4–0 win against Mozambique, the focus quickly shifted to a heated clash on the pitch.

The trouble came after moments of good teamwork.

In the 25th minute, Alex Iwobi’s pass set up Lookman, who squared the ball for Osimhen to score. The trio celebrated together, sliding across the wet field.

Soon after halftime, Lookman again assisted Osimhen, leaping into his arms in celebration.

Frustration grew for Osimhen when chances failed to reach him. He became visibly annoyed when Lookman chose to dribble instead of passing, and later when teammates Onyemaechi and Akor Adams went into the box rather than setting him up.

The Napoli striker gestured angrily with his hands.

Tensions boiled over as Lookman approached a corner kick. Osimhen confronted him, pointing aggressively in his face.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi tried to step in, but Osimhen pushed him away, and Mozambique defender Reinildo had to intervene.

Osimhen then signaled for a substitution and was replaced by Moses Simon, even though Nigeria was leading comfortably 3–0.

After the match, Osimhen walked straight down the tunnel, leaving the team and coaching staff to huddle on the pitch.

He left the dressing room early and sat alone on the bus while his teammates handled media duties.

According to Arise TV, sources within the camp said Osimhen left the stadium, dropped his accreditation, and announced he was “done” with the national team, insisting he was returning to Turkey.

Senior officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reportedly tried to calm him, with the president personally intervening, though some thought it best to let him cool off.

This incident has raised concerns about Victor Osimhen’s temperament.

Earlier in June 2024, he had clashed publicly with former coach Finidi George, but this episode is seen as more serious by those around the team.

The timing is sensitive. Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer at this AFCON, with seven goal contributions (three goals, four assists).

Osimhen, a fan favorite and just three goals away from Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record, has appeared frustrated.

While Nigeria’s performance on the pitch has been dominant, off-field tensions now threaten to overshadow their progress, with their star striker reportedly considering leaving the team.

KanyiDaily recalls that Former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George said that Victor Osimhen has not apologized for his recent social media outburst that criticized him.