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How Victor Osimhen Cost Nigeria AFCON Trophy – Sunday Oliseh
Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has blamed internal discord involving star striker Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s failure to clinch a fourth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Speaking on his Sunday Oliseh’s Global Football Insights programme, the former Nigeria captain said a public disagreement between Osimhen and winger Ademola Lookman disrupted team chemistry at a critical stage of the tournament.
Osimhen–Lookman Incident
The controversy stemmed from Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16, where Osimhen appeared visibly angry on the pitch. While initial reports suggested the striker’s outburst was directed at left-back Bruno Onyemaechi, Lookman became involved after stepping in to calm the situation.
Following the match, members of the Super Eagles squad reportedly held a meeting led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, where concerns were raised about Osimhen’s conduct during the game.
Oliseh: Talent Does Not Give Licence
Oliseh said Osimhen’s behaviour crossed a line, warning against confusing talent with entitlement.
“We are mixing up talent with a licence,” Oliseh said.
“Victor Osimhen is a world-class player, but having great skill doesn’t mean you can break up the team’s chemistry.”
The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund midfielder pointed to Lookman’s dip in form as evidence of the fallout from the incident.
“Look at the evidence. Since that public argument with Ademola Lookman one of our most dangerous players Lookman hasn’t been the same,” he added.
Lookman’s Form Declines
According to Oliseh, Lookman was Nigeria’s standout performer after the group stage and Round of 16, but failed to register a goal or assist in his final three matches of the tournament.
“Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that public shouting got in the way of his concentration,” Oliseh said.
“When you publicly put down your teammates, you hurt their confidence.”
Oliseh argued that the loss of confidence affected the team’s ability to overcome tougher opponents, particularly Morocco.
“You hurt the confidence the team needs to get through a tough semifinal against a smart team like Morocco, because we needed our top players to be at their best.”
‘We Lost the Mental Advantage’
The former Super Eagles coach insisted Nigeria’s problem went beyond tactics or individual errors.
“You can’t expect a playmaker to do miracles when they’ve been demoralised by teammates,” Oliseh said.
“We didn’t just lose a game; we lost the mental advantage needed to win.”
Message to Super Eagles Stars
Oliseh concluded by stressing that scoring goals for Nigeria does not place any player above team values or football elders.
According to him, no player regardless of status has the right to disrespect teammates or Super Eagles legends such as Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba.
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