Sunday Oliseh: Osimhen’s On-Field Outburst Derailed Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Title Hopes

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Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has attributed Nigeria’s inability to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco to a public on-field dispute involving striker Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles eventually claimed bronze after defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff, but Oliseh believes the team lost momentum earlier in the tournament following a clash between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh said the incident took place during Nigeria’s Round-of-16 match against Mozambique, which ended in a 4-0 victory. Osimhen scored twice while Lookman provided two assists, yet the striker was seen confronting Lookman angrily after a perceived failure to pass during the second half.

Although Lookman and head coach Eric Chelle later downplayed the situation, Oliseh argued it negatively impacted team morale.

“Let’s look at the toxicity that might have cost Nigeria the AFCON title,” Oliseh said.
“We are confusing talent with license. Victor Osimhen is world class, but talent is not license to destroy team chemistry.”

Oliseh highlighted Lookman’s performances before and after the Mozambique match as evidence. The winger scored three goals and provided four assists in his first three games, but he failed to register a goal or assist in the quarter-final win over Algeria.

Nigeria was subsequently eliminated by hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless semi-final, with Oliseh noting that the team lacked creativity at critical moments.

“Since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest lights, Lookman became a shadow of himself, and we lost the bite,” Oliseh said.
“When you publicly diminish your teammates, you break their spirit.”

The former captain also recalled a previous controversy involving Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, when the striker publicly criticised former Super Eagles coach Finidi George.

“Scoring goals for Nigeria doesn’t give you a license to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba,” Oliseh added.

Osimhen remains Nigeria’s second-highest international goalscorer with 35 goals, just two shy of the late Rashidi Yekini.