Ighalo Says Osimhen-Lookman Row Was Blown Out of Proportion
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has spoken out on the row between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations clash with Mozambique.
The incident happened in the 63rd minute when Osimhen, who had already scored twice, was left frustrated after failing to receive a pass. Full-back Bruno Onyemaechi chose to shoot from the edge of the box instead of passing to Osimhen, and when the ball later came to Lookman, he opted to recycle possession rather than continue the attack. Osimhen reacted angrily, telling Lookman, “Hey, this is a team game,” to which Lookman replied, “But you already scored two goals.”
Captain Wilfred Ndidi tried to calm Osimhen, but the striker refused to rejoin the play and was substituted shortly afterwards.
Ighalo, now working as a pundit, said the situation had been exaggerated. “I think the media took it too far because in games like that, emotions will flare,” he said. “We have seen Ronaldo and other top players react in similar ways. Though Victor is not Ronaldo, he is the biggest player in the Nigerian team for me.”
The former Manchester United striker added that he spoke to Osimhen after the game. “He told me what Lookman said made him react that way. I told him to settle things in the dressing room next time, and they did. They are friends again.”
Ighalo praised Osimhen’s commitment to the Super Eagles. “You cannot fault him for giving everything for the national team. The calm Osimhen does not play well. To get the best out of him, he has to play angry.”
He also warned against sidelining the striker. “The media wants to make a big problem and suggest taking him out, but you don’t take your best player out of the game. If you want to win the tournament, you need Victor firing,” Ighalo said.
After the controversy, Osimhen bounced back with a goal and an assist in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria. The Super Eagles now face their biggest AFCON 2025 test yet on Wednesday against hosts Morocco.
