Victor Osimhen has moved to clear the air surrounding his brief on-field disagreement with Ademola Lookman, insisting the bond between them remains strong and unbroken.
The Super Eagles striker described Lookman as his “brother,” downplaying the incident that saw the two exchange heated words during Nigeria’s quarter-final clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The moment, which briefly caught the attention of fans and cameras, has since been resolved internally, with both players reaffirming their unity and commitment to the team.
Osimhen addressed the issue after Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria in an interview with Canal+, where he stressed that such moments are part of the game and should not be overblown.
“Lookman is my brother,” Osimhen said. “What happened was just a misunderstanding. This is football, emotions run high, especially in big matches like this. There is nothing more to it. We are very close on the pitch and off it.”
The Napoli forward also highlighted the mutual respect and understanding that exists within the squad, noting that the team’s shared ambition outweighs any momentary frustrations that may arise during matches.
Both players have been key figures for the Super Eagles at the tournament, playing decisive roles in Nigeria’s march to the latter stages. Osimhen has been in outstanding form, recording four goals and two assists so far, while Lookman has also impressed with three goals and five assists to his name.
Their combined contributions have been central to Nigeria’s attacking threat, with the pair frequently linking up to trouble opposing defences. The reconciliation between the two attackers will come as welcome news for the coaching crew and supporters alike, as the Super Eagles continue their push for continental glory at AFCON 2025.
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