Sunday Oliseh Criticizes Osimhen's Behavior for Nigeria's AFCON Loss

 Sunday Oliseh

Ex-Super Eagles skipper Sunday Oliseh has blamed Nigeria’s unsuccessful Africa Cup of Nations 2025 campaign in Morocco on star striker Victor Osimhen’s disciplinary lapses, claiming the Napoli forward’s on-field altercation with Ademola Lookman damaged team morale at a pivotal moment.

In a candid YouTube analysis, Oliseh pinpointed the heated exchange between Osimhen and Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique as the turning point where squad harmony fractured, ultimately derailing their championship ambitions.

The fiery incident occurred when Osimhen visibly berated Lookman for retaining possession instead of passing during a promising attack. Fans swiftly condemned the confrontation as counterproductive to team success.

Oliseh observed that Lookman’s subsequent performances suffered dramatically, with the winger’s subdued displays in later matches robbing Nigeria of vital attacking threat—particularly in their semifinal defeat.

“We must confront the elephant in the room,” he remarked. “World-class ability doesn’t grant immunity from accountability. Osimhen’s brilliance shouldn’t overshadow his responsibility to the collective.”

“The numbers don’t lie. After that dugout confrontation, Lookman’s confidence evaporated. Demoralizing teammates mid-tournament fractures squad psychology—it’s basic sports science,”

Oliseh highlighted Lookman’s earlier dominance in the competition: “Before the incident, Lookman was arguably the tournament’s standout performer. That unity-breaking moment cost us our competitive edge when we faced Morocco’s disciplined setup.”

The 1996 Olympian also lamented evolving fan mentalities: “What disturbs me most is how sections of our support now normalize such behavior. If we romanticize toxicity, we institutionalize failure.”

He extended his critique to Osimhen’s previous outburst against ex-coach Finidi George, asserting: “National team privilege isn’t a free pass to disrespect predecessors. If goal-scoring alone earned such liberties, what rights would history’s golden generation—Siasia, Yekini, Oliseh—demand?”

“Without urgent systemic reforms—in both playing culture and administrative standards—we risk inheriting a broken institution,” Oliseh cautioned.

The former midfielder also questioned the squad’s jubilant reaction to securing third place: “In my era, bronze medals gathered dust in forgotten cabinets. Modern acceptance of participation trophies reflects lowered standards.”