Nigerian Fans Boo Osimhen Over Angry Exchange With Lookman Despite Big AFCON Win
Nigerian football fans have taken Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to task following his heated confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 on Monday.
The Galatasaray forward was visibly furious in the 63rd minute after Lookman failed to pass the ball to him despite Osimhen being unmarked. Cameras caught the striker angrily remonstrating with the Atalanta winger, moments after pulling away from captain Wilfred Ndidi. Osimhen was seen pointing aggressively at Lookman while shouting, before ending the outburst in pidgin with, “No try am again,” meaning “do not try that again.”
The reaction surprised many observers, especially as Lookman had already played a key role in Osimhen’s performance, setting him up directly for one goal and also contributing to another chance finished by Akor Adams.
A player with no discipline. He does this all the time shouting at an important member of the squad just because the other player is calm-headed. This is one of the attitude issues Chelsea PR have complained about.
pic.twitter.com/JFknpRqspM— SHAYEE 𒀭 (@tier_1st) January 5, 2026
Shortly after the incident, Osimhen requested to be substituted and was replaced by Moses Simon, leaving the pitch to audible boos from sections of the crowd.
The episode quickly ignited debate on social media platform X, where fans questioned Osimhen’s temperament even in the midst of a dominant team display.
Social media influencer Emma Ik Umeh (@emmaikumeh) wrote, “Victor Osimhen had a quarrel 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 dismissed the behaviour as “Very silly behaviour as usual. Nonsense.”
Oladapo Omolade added, “I really don’t understand why the guy is behaving like that… he really needs to calm down on that unnecessary attitude.”
Victor Adeboje described the scene as “Very irritating,” while Edwin Uka reacted, “Can you imagine the attitude he displayed there? Mtcheeeew.”
ID (@oluwatunmilara1) questioned the timing of the outburst, saying, “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 arrogance, writing, “The guy too proud, he thinks he’s better than everyone in the team.”
Stanley Ogb (@stanogbo97) summed up the sentiment, stating, “Very unprofessional of Osimhen…He got some attitude problem right there.”
Despite the backlash, Osimhen finished the match with two goals, while Lookman recorded two assists and added a goal of his own as Nigeria secured their fourth straight victory of the tournament to book a place in the quarter-finals.
The Super Eagles are set to face either Algeria or DR Congo in the last eight as they continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013.
Getting booed off by fans, shameful.
Osimhen really needs to fix this terrible attitude of his.pic.twitter.com/n6ThoNX7RQ— 乄 (@victorKvng_) January 5, 2026
