AFCON: Osimhen booed after heated exchange with Lookman

Nigerian football fans have taken Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to task over an angry outburst directed at teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The incident occurred in the 63rd minute of Monday’s encounter when Lookman failed to square the ball to an unmarked Osimhen inside the box. Television footage showed the Napoli-born striker visibly furious, shouting at Lookman and gesturing aggressively on the pitch.

Osimhen was seen pulling away from Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, pointing angrily at Lookman and venting his frustration. He was later heard saying in pidgin English, “No try am again,” loosely translated as “don’t try that again.”

Ironically, Lookman had already been instrumental in Osimhen’s performance before the incident, providing a direct assist for one of his goals and creating another chance through Akor Adams.

Moments later, Osimhen requested to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon, an action that drew boos from sections of the crowd inside the stadium.

The outburst sparked widespread reactions on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with many fans criticising the striker’s attitude despite the team’s dominant display.

Popular influencer Emma Ik Umeh (@emmaikumeh) criticised the behaviour, noting that Lookman had already assisted Osimhen earlier in the match. “The guy should f**k off with this nonsense attitude. It’s so annoying,” he wrote.

Godwin Wilson described the striker’s conduct as “very silly behaviour,” while Oladapo Omolade expressed confusion, saying Osimhen needed to calm down and avoid unnecessary drama.

Other fans were less restrained. Victor Adeboje labelled the moment “very irritating,” while Edwin Uka reacted dismissively, questioning the striker’s temperament. Another user, ID (@oluwatunmilara1), wondered why Osimhen chose to act out when the team was comfortably in control of the match.

Some supporters attributed the outburst to arrogance, with Bigrated (@the_boy_rated) suggesting Osimhen believed he was superior to his teammates. Stanley Ogb (@stanogbo97) summed up the mood by describing the behaviour as “very unprofessional.”

Despite the controversy, Osimhen finished the game with a brace, while Lookman contributed two assists and a goal, as Nigeria secured their fourth consecutive win at the tournament.

The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013.

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