Popular online activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has weighed in on the Super Eagles' performance in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match against Mozambique, delivering a mix of praise and sharp criticism. While celebrating Nigeria's victory, VDM issued a stern warning to star striker Victor Osimhen regarding his on-field clash with teammate Ademola Lookman and blasted the team for perceived selfish play.
VDM's Brotherly Warning to Victor Osimhen
In a video shared on social media, VeryDarkMan addressed the heated moment between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the match. He stated that the incident should not have occurred, emphasizing that Osimhen's teammates are not his children and that the Napoli striker must be more mindful of his reactions in tense situations.
VDM framed his comments as a "brotherly warning" rather than mere criticism. He advised Osimhen to calm down, noting that if a teammate chooses not to pass the ball, that is their prerogative. The activist also highlighted an unspoken rule in football: when a player has already scored a brace, the ball should be allowed to circulate so others can also find the net.
Criticism of 'Selfish' Super Eagles Play
Beyond the individual clash, VeryDarkMan slammed the overall team display. He argued that the Super Eagles performed poorly and suggested that Nigeria should have scored up to seven goals against Mozambique. Delivering a cautionary note, he warned that the team will face much tougher opponents as the tournament progresses and must improve significantly.
The core of his critique centered on what he called selfish play. "You guys are selfish," VDM asserted, accusing several players of holding onto the ball too long in a bid to score individual goals rather than passing to a teammate in a better position. He stressed that players should release the ball once they realize they cannot score.
Praise Amidst the Critique
Despite his strong words, VeryDarkMan also had praise for key players. He described Victor Osimhen as the best striker and noted that had he scored more goals, he would be closer to matching the legendary Rashidi Yekini's record.
He also singled out Alex Iwobi for exceptional performance, stating the midfielder "held it down" on the pitch. Furthermore, VDM reacted positively to Adam's (likely referring to Ademola Lookman) display, praising his confidence and encouraging him to maintain that form in subsequent matches for the Super Eagles.
The activist's commentary adds to the ongoing online discourse following Nigeria's AFCON opener, where victory was secured but performance debates were ignited, particularly around the Osimhen-Lookman incident.
