Tunisia's head coach, Sami Trabelsi, has provided his account of the incident that led to a yellow card for Nigeria's star striker, Victor Osimhen, during their thrilling Africa Cup of Nations clash. The event occurred after Osimhen broke his goal drought in the tournament, sparking controversy on the touchline.
The Provocative Celebration and Immediate Fallout
In a crucial Group C match at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco on December 27, 2025, Victor Osimhen finally found the net for Nigeria. After struggling in the opening game, the Galatasaray forward scored a vital header in the 44th minute, connecting with a cross from Ademola Lookman.
However, his celebration took a contentious turn. Instead of rejoining his teammates, Osimhen ran past the Tunisian technical area and pointed his fingers directly at Coach Sami Trabelsi. Referee Boubou Traore interpreted this act as unsporting behavior and promptly showed the Super Eagles striker his first yellow card of the competition.
Trabelsi's Side of the Story: A Misunderstood Exchange
In the aftermath of Nigeria's 3-2 victory, Coach Sami Trabelsi addressed the media to clarify the exchange. The Tunisian tactician, a winner of the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN), expressed his displeasure with Osimhen's actions.
"I don't know, I think he thought I was speaking to the referee too much or trying to influence the referee, which wasn't the case," Trabelsi explained, as reported by OwnGoal. He revealed that he later spoke with Osimhen about the incident. "I didn't respond to it, but it was disrespectful," the CS Sfaxien legend added, firmly stating his view that the player's gesture crossed a line of respect.
Consequences for Osimhen and Nigeria's AFCON Campaign
This yellow card carries significant weight for Nigeria's knockout stage prospects. The caution means Victor Osimhen is now just one booking away from a suspension. If he receives another yellow card in Nigeria's final group match against Uganda on Tuesday, December 30, he will be forced to miss a potential Round of 16 fixture.
The match itself was a dramatic affair. After Osimhen's opener, Nigeria extended their lead through captain Wilfred Ndidi. Ademola Lookman then added a third, assisted by Osimhen, seemingly putting the game to bed. Tunisia mounted a late comeback with goals from Montassar Talbi and a penalty from Ali Abdi, but Nigeria held on for a 3-2 win.
Despite the controversy, Osimhen's performance drew praise from an unexpected quarter. A Tunisian fan, Islam Bouafif, was quoted calling the Nigerian striker "scary" and the best box-presence forward in the world, highlighting the fear his physicality instills in defenders.
As the Super Eagles prepare for their decisive match against Uganda, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen, not just for his goal-scoring prowess but also for his discipline, as another misstep could see Nigeria's talisman watching from the sidelines when the tournament reaches its most critical phase.
