Osimhen Clash with Teammates Clarified Ahead of AFCON 2025 Semi-Final
Sources have clarified the events behind the on-field clash involving Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. The account comes from journalist Osasu Obayiuwana, who shared detailed insights into the incident.
Contrary to earlier reports, Osimhen’s frustration was not directed at Ademola Lookman. Instead, the striker’s ire was aimed at teammate Bruno Onyemaechi, whom he felt was playing lackadaisically. Lookman stepped in to mediate between Osimhen and Onyemaechi and, as Obayiuwana describes it, “caught stray bullets” in the process.
After Osimhen was substituted and mentally switched off from the game, some officials from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission (NatSportsComm) considered entering the dressing room before the end of the match to mediate between Osimhen and his teammates. However, captain Wilfred Ndidi insisted on a players-only, closed-door post-match meeting, excluding even head coach Eric Chelle. As a result, the officials did not enter the dressing room.
During that private meeting, all the players expressed their unhappiness with Osimhen’s on-field behaviour, leaving the striker displeased. Despite the disagreement, sources indicate that the squad has moved on from the incident. With a semi-final against hosts Morocco approaching, the Super Eagles are reportedly focused on preparing for the match and putting the spat behind them.
Obayiuwana’s report provides a rare insight into the team dynamics of the Super Eagles, showing how the players handled the situation internally without public escalation.
Nigeria will face Morocco in the AFCON 2025 semi-final at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat on Wednesday, aiming to maintain the momentum from their commanding victory over Algeria.
