Former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has played up the rift between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, claiming it helps the team, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 52-year-old was a part of the Nigerian team that lifted the AFCON 1994 title, alongside the Atlanta 1996 gold medal, and has opined on the clash that happened in the round of 16 clash against Mozambique.
In the clash against Mozambique, the duo had already scored, with Victor Osimhen on a double, when the clash broke out in the 63rd minute after failing to receive a pass.
Bruno Onyemaechi found himself in unfamiliar territory on the edge of the Mozambican box, and with Osimhen free on the right, the full-back opted to go for goal himself, which initially put the striker off.
The ball then fell to Lookman, who opted to recycle possession rather than keep the attack going. Osimhen lashed out, telling the Atalanta forward, “Hey, this is a team game,” to which Lookman replied, “But you already scored two goals.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi’s attempt to calm the Galatasaray striker down was met with a cold shoulder, and Osimhen was taken off shortly afterwards as he refused to involve himself in the passage of play.
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Jay-Jay Okocha opines on Lookman-Osimhen row
Like Mikel Obi, the former Super Eagles captain, maintained that rifts like that reflect the hunger and passion of the individuals in the team.
“These things happen, and I love to see that sometimes in a team. It shows that they want to win. They’re not just there to play and go home,” the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder said on the Clutch 9 Podcast.
“They want to achieve something. If players are criticising each other, are upset for not getting the right service, or a teammate not doing the right thing.
“Osimhen went over the board. I have to clear that out as well, but it’s good to see players that are passionate but also understand that you’re not bigger than your teammate.
“You’re the same, you have to respect your teammate, and if you want to say something, better say it in the dressing room and not show the whole world that your colleague made a mistake, but the passion and hunger is good to see,” the AFCON 1994 winner concluded.
Nigeria will take on Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final on Wednesday at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.