AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman Dismisses Talk of Rift With Victor Osimhen After Mozambique Win

Ademola Lookman has moved quickly to downplay speculation of any rift with Victor Osimhen following a brief on-field exchange during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash against Mozambique on Monday.

The moment of tension came in the 64th minute, with the Super Eagles firmly in control at 3–0. As Nigeria prepared to take a corner kick, Osimhen appeared frustrated after feeling he was better positioned to receive a pass earlier in the move. Television cameras caught the striker voicing his displeasure to Lookman near the corner flag.

Moments later, the 2023 African Player of the Year signaled to the technical bench requesting to be substituted. Osimhen was eventually withdrawn and replaced by Moses Simon, a decision that quickly drew attention from fans and commentators.

After the final whistle, Osimhen headed straight down the tunnel, while his teammates gathered on the pitch to celebrate another commanding performance.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Lookman—who collected his second Man of the Match award of the tournament—played down the incident, emphasizing that the team’s emphatic victory mattered far more than any momentary frustration.

“I don’t think it’s really important. The team won 4–0,” Lookman told reporters. “Vic is my number one guy, everyone knows that. He’s a top striker and a top player, so the rest doesn’t matter.”