Nigerian football fans have slammed Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over an angry outburst directed at teammate Ademola Lookman during Monday’s 4–0 rout of Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
The incident occurred in the 63rd minute when Lookman missed a chance to pass to an unmarked Osimhen. Television footage showed the Galatasaray striker angrily pulling away from captain Wilfred Ndidi, pointing at Lookman and shouting at him. Osimhen was later heard saying in pidgin, “No try am again,” meaning “do not try that again.”
The confrontation stunned fans, especially as Lookman had already created two chances for Osimhen earlier in the match — one a direct assist and another via Akor Adams. Moments later, Osimhen requested to be substituted and was booed by sections of the crowd as Moses Simon replaced him.
The outburst triggered a wave of criticism on social media platform X, with many fans questioning Osimhen’s attitude despite Nigeria’s dominant display.
Social media influencer Emma Ik Umeh (@emmaikumeh) wrote, “Victor Osimhen quarreled with his teammate Lookman. Crazy, but this same Lookman provided him with an assist for his second goal earlier.
“The guy should f**k off with this nonsense attitude. It’s so annoying.”
Godwin Wilson described it as “Very silly behaviour as usual. Nonsense,” while Oladapo Omolade said, “I really don’t understand why the guy is behaving like that… he really needs to calm down on that unnecessary attitude.”
Victor Adeboje called the scene “Very irritating,” as Edwin Uka added, “Can you imagine the attitude he displayed there? Mtcheeeew.”
ID (@oluwatunmilara1) questioned the timing of the outburst, writing, “What’s the meaning of this one? The team is winning and playing well. Why do you want to spoil it with this temper tantrum?”
Bigrated (@the_boy_rated) blamed ego, saying, “The guy is too proud, he thinks he’s better than everyone in the team,” while Stanley Ogb (@stanogbo97) concluded, “Very unprofessional of Osimhen… He got some attitude problem right there.”
Despite the controversy, Osimhen still netted twice in the match, while Lookman delivered two assists and scored once as Nigeria recorded their fourth straight win to storm the quarter-finals.
The Super Eagles will now face either Algeria or DR Congo in the last eight as they continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013.
