“He’s very much around” – Super Eagles train as Osimhen–Lookman issue resolved, bonus row cools off

Photo Credit: NG_Super Eagles/X

Super Eagles held a full training session on Wednesday amid growing speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and reports of an unpaid bonus standoff ahead of Nigeria’s move to Marrakech.

Soccernet.ng understands that the atmosphere in camp remains focused and united, with players and officials working to keep distractions away from the team’s AFCON 2025 campaign.

Soccer Osimhen present as camp trains

Contrary to online reports suggesting unrest, the Galatasaray forward was present and actively involved in training, sources told Soccernet.ng.

“He’s very much around, and there is nothing wrong with him,” a source said, dismissing claims of lingering tension following the on-field exchange between Osimhen and Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique.

What sources told https://t.co/Sk1CfSH5pJ:

– The issue between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman was settled the same night inside the camp

– There is no problem from Osimhen’s side; he is calm and fully part of the team

– Reports of players threatening to boycott training… pic.twitter.com/UUOrfjbPwm

— Ayomide Oguntimehin (@ayo_oguntimehin) January 7, 2026

Soccer Osimhen–Lookman spat settled internally

Soccernet.ng gathered that the brief pitch-side disagreement was settled on the same night it occurred, following swift intervention from senior officials.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, alongside other officials, stepped in to address the situation, with both players reaffirming their commitment to the team.

Sources insist the matter has been nipped in the bud, ignoring exaggerated reports suggesting division in the camp.

Soccer Super Eagles’ bonus dispute was a warning, not action

Reports claiming the Super Eagles refused to train or threatened to boycott travel to Marrakech over unpaid bonuses were also clarified.

According to sources, the players merely issued a forewarning, not an outright protest.

“They threatened — like a warning. Not that they’ve carried out the action,” a source told Soccernet.ng.

Soccer CBN payment processed as NFF moves quickly

In response, officials moved swiftly. Soccernet.ng understands that payment processing has already begun, with funds reportedly cleared through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The intervention from both the NSC and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has helped stabilise the situation, allowing preparations to continue uninterrupted.

Soccer Travel to Marrakech for Algeria game confirmed

The Super Eagles are expected to travel to Marrakech on Thursday, with a final training session scheduled for Friday as they continue preparations for their next AFCON fixture.

With internal issues resolved and logistics back on track, Nigeria appear fully focused on the task ahead — on and off the pitch.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng. He has interviewed Super Eagles stars like William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ademola Lookman, and is known for breaking major transfer stories.

Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, and Milan News24. He holds a Master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X (formerly Twitter): @ayo_oguntimehin