Former Big Brother Naija star and actor Pere Egbi has strongly criticized calls for Victor Osimhen to be dropped from the Nigerian national team. This follows a heated on-field exchange between the striker and his Super Eagles teammate, Ademola Lookman.
The Heated AFCON Exchange
The incident that sparked the controversy occurred during Nigeria's 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the last-16 stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Fans and observers described a tense conversation between Osimhen and Lookman during the match, which was captured on camera and quickly went viral.
The viral clip led to mixed reactions from Nigerian football supporters. While some viewed it as a normal competitive moment, a vocal segment of fans labeled Osimhen's behavior as disrespectful and began demanding his removal from the squad.
Pere Egbi's Fiery Defense
Reacting to the growing online calls, Pere Egbi took to social media to defend the Napoli striker. In a strongly worded post, he described those demanding Osimhen's removal as "clueless."
"Are people so clueless to actually demand that Osimhen be dropped? Really???? Come on. That’s a reach! Dem drop am now, una get im replacement anywhere????? Wf!!!" Egbi wrote.
He further warned that such external pressure and online "bants" could negatively impact the team's morale and jeopardize Nigeria's chances of winning the AFCON trophy. "Na we wan use our hand commot ourself from this AFCON. Imagine players reading these bants online," he added, emphasizing the need for fan support.
Addressing the Chelsea Transfer Rumors
Pere Egbi also used the opportunity to respond to persistent rumors about Osimhen's attitude affecting his club career. Specifically, he addressed claims by some Chelsea fans in Nigeria that the English Premier League club did not sign the player due to a 'bad attitude'.
He dismissed these claims, suggesting instead that Osimhen had turned down a move to Chelsea. "Lol, so Chelsea came for him and he turned them down, but world people are out here saying the guy’s attitude is bad — that’s why no club wants him," Egbi stated.
He concluded with a caution to fans, saying, "Una do well o, Nigerians. Una go soon vex these boys, dem go start to play rubbish now, and then everybody go rest."
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The debate has continued to rage online, with fans divided on the issue:
- One user, sodiqstar16, argued: "Let’s stop lying please, Osimhen is not anywhere close to being a world class striker... He’s an average striker."
- Another, KFrabcis, countered: "Osimhen will be dropped and nothing will happen. Why didn't he score vs DR CONGO and take us to the World cup?"
- User dushitv14 offered a balanced view: "In everything we do in life we must be humble. Osimhen is a good player... but he really needs to work on his temperament."
The controversy unfolds even as Ademola Lookman was statistically rated as the best player of the AFCON 2025 group stage by WhoScored, with a rating of 8.36. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year scored two goals and provided two assists in the group stage matches against Tanzania and Tunisia.
As the Super Eagles progress in the tournament, the focus will be on whether the reported rift affects team chemistry or if, as Pere Egbi and others hope, the squad can unite to chase AFCON glory.
