Sunday Oliseh Says Osimhen Outburst Cost Nigeria AFCON 2025 Title Push

Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has blamed an on-pitch confrontation involving Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s failure to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nigeria finished the tournament with bronze medals after defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff, but Oliseh said the team lost momentum earlier in the competition following a public dispute between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh said the incident occurred during Nigeria’s Round-of-16 match against Mozambique, which the Super Eagles won 4-0.

Osimhen scored twice in the match, while Lookman provided two assists, but the striker was seen angrily confronting Lookman for failing to pass to him in the second half.

Although Lookman and head coach Eric Chelle later played down the incident, Oliseh said it had a negative effect on team morale.

“Let’s look at the toxicity that might have caused us (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 pointed to Lookman’s performances before and after the Mozambique match as evidence. The winger recorded three goals and four assists in his first three games of the tournament but failed to register a goal or assist in the quarter-final win over Algeria.

Nigeria were later eliminated by hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless semi-final, with Oliseh saying the team lacked creativity in the decisive stages.

“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.”

Oliseh also referenced a previous controversy involving Osimhen, now with Galatasaray, when the striker 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 goalscorer of all time, with 35 international goals, two behind the late Rashidi Yekini.