Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has provided insight into the much-discussed on-field confrontation between star strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria's Round of 16 match against Mozambique at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The incident, which occurred during the crucial knockout stage, generated significant buzz among football fans and analysts across the continent.
Addressing the Heated Exchange
In an interview with After Foot RMC, Chelle described the moment when tensions flared between the two attacking talents. "On the pitch, there was a discussion with Lookman," Chelle revealed. "Victor told him, 'We need to stop playing in front of goal.' Things got a little heated, a minor altercation, but that's part of locker room life."
The coach explained that Osimhen left the match venue visibly upset, requiring time to cool down before returning to his usual self. "At the end of the match, he went home upset; he needed time to calm down. And once he did, he became the Victor we know again," Chelle stated.
No Impact on Team Selection
Chelle emphasized that the disagreement never threatened team cohesion or player availability for subsequent matches. "There was never any question of him not playing against Algeria in the quarterfinal," he asserted. "What happens in the locker room stays in the locker room. I didn't even need to intervene. We went back to the hotel, they talked it over, and that was it."
Praising Elite Striking Duo
Beyond addressing the conflict, Chelle took the opportunity to highlight the exceptional qualities of both players, describing them as dedicated professionals driven by scoring obsession.
"In front of goal, those two guys are top-level," Chelle praised. "Even better, this tension would almost make sense when you're talking about two strikers obsessed with scoring."
Individual Characteristics
The coach provided specific observations about each player's approach:
- Victor Osimhen: "Victor is a machine. If he doesn't do his specific striker drills or score in training, it drives him crazy. He wants to win everything. For him, it's not a funfair."
- Ademola Lookman: "Lookman is the same, but calmer."
Chelle concluded with high praise for their technical abilities: "Frankly, I've seen strikers, but to strike the ball like they do, right foot, left foot... that's a very, very high level."
The coach's comments provide valuable context about team dynamics within the Super Eagles camp during their 2025 AFCON campaign, revealing how competitive drive among elite players can sometimes manifest in on-field disagreements that are quickly resolved through professional communication.
