NFF Told to Ban Super Eagles Star Osimhen From National Team, Condition Emerges
- Victor Osimhen has continued to receive criticism for his recent on-pitch outburst against his teammates in the Nigeria squad
- Rumours of a conflict were downplayed by Ademola Lookman, who emphasised brotherhood within the Super Eagles ranks
- Public commentator Kayode Ogundamisi said that Osimhen should apologise or be excluded from the national team further
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering football and sports in Nigeria and Africa.
Fes, Morocco - Kayode Ogundamisi, a prominent public commentator, has said that Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen should be banned from the national team if he fails to apologise for his outburst on the pitch on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The call comes amid reactions from football fans who criticised Osimhen for his clash with Ademola Lookman and his teammates during Nigeria’s victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16 clash.
Source: Twitter
Ogundamisi calls for punishment for Osimhen
Osimhen asked to be taken off subsequently and was then booed off the pitch by some fans as Moses Simon came on.
The striker was also the first to leave the dressing room when the teams were leaving the stadium.
The incident, captured on X, sparked speculation about tension between Osimhen and his teammates, including Lookman.
However, the Atalanta forward, who was voted Man of the Match, dismissed such claims after the match, insisting there was no issue between him and the former Napoli striker.
“It’s just football. It’s always football. He is my brother."
In the same vein, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi also addressed the situation, describing the exchange as a product of the team’s competitive spirit rather than any personal disagreement, and played down reports of a rift within the squad.
There have been reports that Osimhen threatened to return to Turkey, where he plays for Galatasaray, following the episode against his teammates on Monday, January 5.
Joining other netizens in criticising the striker, Ogundamisi wrote on X:
"Victor Osimhen should be granted his wish to return to Turkey. If he does not apologise, he should be banned from the national team. It would be more honourable for Nigeria to miss the chance of winning AFCON without him than to win it on the back of disgraceful behaviour and arrogance."
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria clarifies Osimhen-Lookman 'row'
Meanwhile, according to Super Eagles' media officer Promise Efoghe, the primary reasons and aftermath of the on-field row between Osimhen and Lookman during the game against Mozambique have been addressed internally.
Legit.ng reported that the team would hold a recovery session on January 6 in Fes, with 26 players expected to be in training, apart from injured defender Ryan Alebiosu, who will continue his rehabilitation.
Psychologist shares advice on Osimhen-Lookman outburst
A counselling psychologist and emotional health coach, Omotola Akinwale, has defended the emotional outburst of Osimhen, describing it as a psychological tool aimed at motivating teammates and unsettling opponents.
Akinwale, a psychologist at Mycarebuddy, a Lagos-based mental health therapy startup, disagreed with those condemning the Galatasaray striker’s conduct.
She told Legit.ng:
"As a psychologist, I have listened to people’s comments and read several social media posts about his outburst during the match.
"Let me state that a player with a combination of determination, resilience, brilliance and patriotism like Osimhen cannot be said to be working against his team or teammates."
She noted that similar behaviour would likely have been accepted if he had been the team captain, especially given Nigeria’s history of conceding late goals in previous AFCON tournaments.
Read more on Victor Osimhen:
- Lookman Uses Wizkid’s Song to Send Hidden Message to Osimhen After Their On-Field Clash
- Rift With Lookman: Catholic Priest Shares What He Would do to Osimhen in Next Match if He Was Coach
Activist reacts to report of Osimhen quitting
Legit.ng earlier reported that a political activist said he would rather see Nigeria exit the AFCON without Osimhen than win it with him.
Describing the Galatasaray striker as a 'spoilt brat', Theo Agada, spokesman for the Northern Renaissance Network, blasted him.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
