AFCON 2025: CAF Sends 'Message' to Osimhen, Lookman After Rift Between Super Eagles Stars
- CAF seemingly appealed to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman after Nigeria qualified for the AFCON quarter-finals
- The two players were involved in a heated on-field exchange during the Super Eagles' 4-0 victory over Mozambique
- Lookman had created two goals for Osimhen before the fallout between the two players, which marred the strong win
The Confederation of African football (CAF) has seemingly sent a message to Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman amid a reported rift between the two Super Eagles players.
Both players made the headlines for both the right and wrong reasons following Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: Getty Images
Lookman had opened the scoring for Nigeria before creating two further goals for Osimhen as Nigeria raced to a 3-0 lead against the Mambas, according to CAF Online.
Despite the Super Eagles' control of the match, however, tempers flared in the 63rd minute.
Cameras captured Osimhen visibly frustrated after Lookman had failed to square the ball when he was well-positioned.
The Galatasaray striker pulled away from captain Wilfred Ndidi, pointed at his teammate, and expressed his displeasure audibly.
Lookman, already having assisted and created multiple opportunities, responded in kind.
Shortly after the exchange, Osimhen requested a substitution and was replaced by Paul Onuachu, as reported by SABC Sport.
The striker headed straight down the tunnel after the match, leaving fans speculating about the relationship between the two Super Eagles stars.
Source: Getty Images
CAF sends 'message' to Osimhen and Lookman
A day after the fiasco in Fez, CAF has chosen to celebrate both Osimhen and Lookman for their immense contribution to Nigeria’s dominant win.
The African football body hailed both former Player of the Year winners, highlighting their chemistry on the pitch, together with a special message.
“Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, moving as one, 🫶” CAF posted on X.
On the pitch, both Lookman and Osimhen continue to deliver for Nigeria.
The forward has been Nigeria’s standout performer so far and a top contender for Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2025, registering three goals and four assists.
On the other hand, Osimhen has contributed three goals of his own, with two of those goals being assisted by Lookman as the Super Eagles maintain a perfect run in the tournament, winning all four matches played so far.
Nigeria will now focus on the quarter-final showdown against Algeria, as they chase their first AFCON title since lifting the trophy under Stephen Keshi in 2013.
The Super Eagles, who were losing finalists at the 2023 edition, have won the competition three times in the past, with successes in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Chelle provides update on Osimhen and Lookman
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria's coach had downplayed the rift between Osimhen and Lookman during the 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
Speaking after a strong win at the AFCON, Eric Chelle addressed the incident cautiously, making it clear he had no intention of discussing internal matters publicly.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
