AFCON 2025: Victor Osimhen Speaks for the First Time Since Bust-Up With Lookman
- Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has spoken for the first time since his heated exchange with Ademola Lookman
- The striker started against Algeria in the quarter-final despite Nigerians calling for punitive measures against him
- Osimhen scored and assisted to help the Super Eagles beat Algeria and progress to the semi-final of AFCON 2025
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has spoken for the first time since his bust-up with Ademola Lookman during the 4-0 win over Mozambique.
Osimhen and Lookman had a heated exchange during the second half of the match, an unpleasant scene Nigerians did not like, particularly the striker’s gestures.
Source: Getty Images
Eric Chelle named Osimhen in the starting lineup to face Algeria in the quarter-final despite calls from Nigerians to punish him over the incident against Mozambique.
As noted by NFF, Osimhen scored the opening goal against Algeria with a brilliant header in the 47th minute before turning provider for Akor Adams 10 minutes later to beat Algeria 2-0 at Grande Stade de Marrakech.
Osimhen speaks after Lookman spat
The Galatasaray forward during a pitch-side recording sent a message to the Nigerian fans, the first time he had spoken since the incident.
“Hello to the Super Eagles fans, thank you for your support worldwide. This victory was not easy and I’m happy that the team got the win against Algeria,” he told CAF.
“Thank you for your support and we will continue to build on this momentum and hopefully we get to the final and win it. Thank you very much.”
The message did not directly address the incident between him and his teammate and as coach Chelle and other members of the team said, it was resolved within the team.
The message did not directly address the incident between him and his teammate, and as coach Chelle and other members of the team said, it was resolved within the team.
Osimhen applauds team effort
Osimhen is a selfless player, and as he has done many times, he wants everyone to focus on the team and celebrate them, despite being the man-of-the-match award winner.
“I scored a goal and provided an assist, but we shouldn’t focus on my personal performance; we should focus on the team effort of the national team. We won against a good Algerian team that has talented players,” he told CAF Online.
Source: Getty Images
He added that his performance at this tournament is a reflection of his experience in the tournament, having featured at the 2019 and 2023 editions.
“For me, I was involved in the game, reflecting on my experience in the previous Africa Cup of Nations. It’s not just about scoring decisive goals, but about how we influence the game and contribute to the victory; that’s what matters most in the national team. I always strive to improve myself, both mentally and physically,” he added.
He scored only one goal in Cote d'Ivoire, but was one of the influential Super Eagles stars, helping the team maintain compactness all around the pitch under Jose Peseiro.
CAF sends message to Akor Adams
Legit.ng reported that CAF sent a message to Victor Osimhen’s strike partner, who also got on the scoresheet alongside the Galatasaray forward.
CAF acknowledged Akor’s goal celebration, which was posing like DR Congo superfan Mboladinga who had been depicting former prime minister Patrice Lumumba.
Source: Legit.ng
