Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has stated that he will handle the dispute between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman internally, Soccernet.ng reports.
On Monday, Nigeria’s Super Eagles flogged Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
It was one of the team’s most dominant displays in recent memory and, perhaps more importantly, they managed to keep a clean sheet.
Despite the remarkable victory, the headline story has been Osimhen’s on-field altercation with Lookman.
The Galatasaray striker appeared incensed by his teammate’s failure to pass the ball while he was in a goal-scoring position.
Even captain Wilfred Ndidi attempted to calm the situation, but Osimhen slapped his hand away in frustration. Moments later, the striker signaled to the bench, requesting to be substituted.
The tension continued after the final whistle; rather than joining his teammates on the pitch to celebrate the win, Osimhen walked straight down the tunnel alone.
While Lookman downplayed the incident during ...-match press conference, the former CAF Player of the Year has faced significant criticism from Nigerian fans for his behavior.
When questioned about the rift, Coach Chelle remained coy, insisting that the matter would be resolved within the group and behind the scenes.
“So this is the question about my management. What happened will stay with the group,” Chelle said after the game.
“I don’t need to tell you what happens or what won’t happen. I’m the manager, I keep that for me, and everything that happens in the life of the group will stay in the life of the group. We’ll see, and then we talk.”
Eric Chelle on the on-field situation between Lookman & Osimhen.#4RoundsBitters #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/dEe0uWQzWh
— Emmanuel Etim (@Emiearth) January 5, 2026
Eric Chelle Must Cool The Rift To Keep The Super Eagles Going
The issue between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman is one that could affect the Super Eagles’ campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Right now, Eric Chelle and all the players should be focused on winning the tournament in Morocco. As such, the issue should quelled for now.
The competition will only get tougher as it progresses into the latter stages. In fact, Nigeria are about to face their toughest opponent yet, depending on who wins the game between DR Congo and Algeria.
But after the tournament, it must be made clear to Osimhen that he has to respect his teammates. In reality, he is the biggest name in the squad, but he can’t continue like this.
He’s insulted Victor Ikpeba and Finidi George in the past. He has also had altercations with teammates and opponents. While he has the desire to win, he must channel that energy into playing the football and not against his teammates.
It is important that he improves on his character. Because if he continues like this, his legacy will be badly tainted.