Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has hinted that disciplinary measures may follow Victor Osimhen’s heated on-field confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The incident occurred in the second half of Monday night’s Round of 16 clash, a match that saw the Super Eagles cruise into the quarter-finals of the tournament. With Nigeria already leading comfortably, cameras captured a tense exchange between Osimhen and Lookman, as both players appeared visibly upset while exchanging words on the pitch.
Shortly after the confrontation, Osimhen signalled to the technical bench requesting a substitution. Coach Chelle responded by replacing the striker with Paul Onuachu. Following the final whistle, the Galatasaray forward headed straight down the tunnel, skipping the team’s post-match celebrations.
Speaking after the match, Chelle declined to go into details about the incident, stressing that the matter would be resolved internally within the squad.
“What happened on the pitch will remain within the group,” the coach said. “I don’t need to explain what will happen next. That stays with me.”
The tension overshadowed what was otherwise a strong attacking display by Nigeria. Lookman opened the scoring and later provided two assists, both converted by Osimhen, as the three-time African champions raced into a convincing lead. Osimhen’s brace took his tally at the tournament to three goals.
However, the situation reportedly escalated after a promising attacking move broke down midway through the second half. Osimhen was seen shouting at Lookman, apparently frustrated by what he felt was a delayed pass.
As the striker made his way off the pitch, some sections of the crowd reacted negatively, booing him following his decision to request a substitution