Nigerian football fans have criticised Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following an angry exchange with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident occurred in the 63rd minute when Lookman failed to pass to an unmarked Osimhen inside the box. Television footage showed the Galatasaray forward angrily confronting Lookman, pointing at him and shouting before uttering the pidgin phrase, “No try am again,” meaning “don’t try that again.”
Osimhen had earlier benefited from Lookman’s creativity, with the Atalanta winger providing a direct assist and creating another chance through Akor Adams before the outburst. Despite the team’s dominant performance, the confrontation drew immediate attention from fans inside the stadium.
Shortly after the incident, Osimhen asked to be substituted and was booed by sections of the crowd as Moses Simon replaced him. The reaction marked a rare moment of fan disapproval for the striker, who scored twice in the match.
The episode sparked widespread criticism on social media platform X, with fans questioning Osimhen’s attitude. Social media influencer Emma Ik Umeh wrote, “This same Lookman provided him with an assist earlier. The nonsense attitude is so annoying.”
Another user, Godwin Wilson, described the behaviour as “very silly,” while Oladapo Omolade added, “I really don’t understand why the guy is behaving like that. He needs to calm down.”
Despite the controversy, Osimhen finished the match with two goals, while Lookman scored once and delivered two assists as Nigeria recorded their fourth consecutive win of the tournament.
The Super Eagles will now face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for a first AFCON title since 2013.
