AFCON 2025
Despite Super Eagles’ fantastic performance against Mozambique, Victor Osimhen’s on and off-field petulance has overshadowed it.
The Super Eagles dismantled the Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 to progress into the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen scored twice but had an altercation with Ademola Lookman who provided one of the assists to his goals over a pass he didn’t put through to him.
Victor Osimhen asked to be substituted afterwards, refused to join the team huddle as he walked down the tunnel after the final whistle.
Osimhen’s petulance has dominated the social media space since Monday night as many called for severe sanction on the Galatasaray striker.
This post highlights five times Osimhen had issues with his teammates in the past.
September 2023: Snubbed Napoli teammates at the team hotel
After Napoli’s controversial TikTok video mocking Osimhen’s penalty miss against Bologna, Osimhen ignored teammates like Diego Demme and Piotr Zielinski upon arrival at the team hotel before a match against Udinese. This stemmed from his frustration with the club’s actions, leading to strained relationships within the squad which contributed to his exit from the club.
January 2024: Public feud with teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s agent
Osimhen lashed out on social media at Mamuka Jugeli, Kvaratskhelia’s agent, calling him derogatory names after Jugeli suggested Osimhen would move to Saudi Arabia for money while implying that his client, Kvaratskhelia had higher ambitions than the then African Footballer of the Year. Though not a direct clash with the teammate, it created tension within the Napoli dressing room.
March 2025: Angry outburst at Super Eagles teammates after Zimbabwe draw
After Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in Uyo. Osimhen was visibly furious with his teammates, reportedly fighting with them due to their poor performance and failure to secure a win despite scoring.
August 2025: Angry reaction toward Galatasaray teammate Yunus Akgün
During Galatasaray’s 4-0 victory, Osimhen reacted angrily to his Turkish international teammate Yunus Akgün, drawing criticism from pundits. The incident was linked to on-field frustration, likely over a gameplay decision such as not passing the ball to him on time.
January 2026: Altercation with Ademola Lookman and other Super Eagles teammates during Mozambique match
In Nigeria’s 4-0 AFCON Round of 16 win over Mozambique, Osimhen had a heated confrontation with former African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman for not passing the ball despite the team’s lead and Lookman’s earlier assist to one of his goal. He also scolded Bruno Onyemaechi and others for a similar reason leading to him requesting a substitution and skipping post-match huddle.
