Soccer
There is no sign of crisis, mutiny or dressing-room unrest in the Super Eagles camp in Fez as Nigeria continue their march through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite swirling reports following Victor Osimhen’s heated confrontation with Ademola Lookman during Monday’s 4-0 win over Mozambique, Nigeria’s football authorities insist the matter has been dealt with internally and decisively.
Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday that any disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman has been resolved, with the squad now fully aligned behind head coach Eric Chelle’s push for continental glory.
Crucially, Osimhen remains part of the group and trained fully with the squad on Tuesday evening. There was no visible tension between the Galatasaray striker and his teammates — particularly Lookman, who had earlier posted a unifying “Together always” message alongside Osimhen on social media.
Reports that Osimhen had threatened to leave the camp in Morocco were firmly dismissed.
Victor Osimhen trained with the Team ahead of Q/final match against Algeria. He didn’t threaten to leave camp.
He should apologize and promise this won’t happen again – @ProudlyAustin pic.twitter.com/TBAmoR2TWT
— Kayode Okikiolu (@KayodeOkikiolu) January 7, 2026
The incident that sparked the storm occurred during the round-of-16 victory over Mozambique, when Osimhen angrily confronted Lookman for allegedly failing to pass the ball to him. The outburst shocked even opposition players, some of whom attempted to calm him down.
Osimhen later asked to be substituted and left the dressing room visibly upset.
But Nigeria’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, played down the issue on Tuesday.
“The primary reasons and aftermath of the on-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been nipped internally,” he said. “Kindly ignore all reports that suggest otherwise.”
Behind the scenes, NFF board members were understood to be divided, with some pushing for strong disciplinary action. However, NFF president Ibrahim Gusau intervened personally, opting for a diplomatic solution that brought the players together and restored harmony.
The squad will move to Marrakech on Wednesday to begin final preparations for Saturday’s clash.
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Soccer Nigeria: Super Eagles unleash AFCON’s most feared attack on Algeria’s iron defence
With the camp steady once again, Chelle’s attention now turns to the biggest test yet: an Algeria side that needed extra time to edge DR Congo 1-0 and reach the quarterfinals.
Nigeria and Algeria are the only two teams at AFCON 2025 with a perfect record of four wins from four matches. But it is Nigeria who arrive with the tournament’s most devastating attack.
The Super Eagles have scored 12 goals in four matches, the joint-highest tally in Nigeria’s AFCON history, matching the output from their run to the final in 2000. One more goal against Algeria would set a new national tournament record.
The numbers reflect a front line in full flow.
Lookman leads the charts with three goals and four assists. Osimhen has three goals and one assist, while Akor Adams has added one goal and two assists. Alex Iwobi has chipped in with two assists, and Raphael Onyedika has scored twice from midfield.
But Algeria represent the ultimate examination.
The Desert Warriors have conceded just one goal in four matches and boast one of the tightest defensive units in the tournament. They also hold a slight historical edge, with 10 wins to Nigeria’s nine in 22 previous meetings.
Nigeria had a recovery session on Tuesday at the Sardienne Complex with 26 players present. Ryan Alebiosu continues his rehabilitation, while Cyriel Dessers has returned to his club, Panathinaikos.
But with Osimhen fully engaged, Nigeria are preparing to unleash AFCON’s most dangerous attack on its sternest defence yet.
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