Lookman Plays Down Incident With Osimhen, Shifts Focus Algeria, DR Congo

Lookman Plays Down Incident With Osimhen, Shifts Focus Algeria, DR Congo

Sampson Adedeji

Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has downplayed the on-field incident involving him and Victor Osimhen during the Super Eagles’ last outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting there is no rift between the two players, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Atalanta forward addressed the issue during his post-match press conference, stressing that the situation has been overblown and should not distract the team from its objectives at the tournament.

“I haven’t talked to Victor Osimhen since the game. But what matters is that we won,” Lookman said.

“He is a top player and very important to our team. For me, there is no big issue.”

 The brief disagreement between both players during the match sparked reactions among fans and pundits, but Lookman was quick to emphasize unity within the Super Eagles camp as preparations begin for the next round of the competition.

Looking ahead, the winger also acknowledged Nigeria’s recent disappointment of failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup but urged focus on the task at hand.

 “The fact that we didn’t qualify for the FIFA World Cup is not going to go away. We have to deal with that,” he added.

 “But we are at the AFCON, and we now have a big game to play in five days, either against Algeria or DR Congo, and we have to prepare for that.”

Nigeria will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the quarterfinals as they continue their push for continental glory at AFCON 2025.