Osimhen Criticism, Dressing-Room Tension Cost Nigeria AFCON Glory — Ex-Super Eagles Coach

Osimhen Criticism, Dressing-Room Tension Cost Nigeria AFCON Glory — Ex-Super Eagles Coach 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has attributed Nigeria’s failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to internal discord involving star striker Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, BSNSports.com.ng reports..

Nigeria settled for a third-place finish after defeating Egypt 4–2 in the bronze medal match last Saturday, having earlier been eliminated by hosts Morocco on penalties in the semifinal.

Speaking on the team’s campaign, Oliseh said individual brilliance must never be allowed to undermine team unity, stressing that discipline and harmony are essential for success at the highest level.

“We need to address the toxicity that may have cost us the AFCON title,” Oliseh said. “Victor Osimhen is a world-class talent, but talent does not give anyone the license to destroy team chemistry.”

Oliseh pointed to Osimhen’s public criticism of teammate Ademola Lookman as a turning point in the tournament, arguing that it negatively affected the winger’s confidence and overall team performance.

“After that public outburst against Ademola Lookman — one of our brightest lights — Lookman became a shadow of himself and we lost our attacking edge,” he said. “When you publicly diminish a teammate, you break their spirit. That confidence is exactly what a team needs to survive a semifinal.”

According to Oliseh, Nigeria needed its key players operating at full capacity against a tactically disciplined Moroccan side.

“Statistically, Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that incident,” he added. “You cannot expect a playmaker to perform miracles when he has been demoralised by his own teammate.”

The former captain maintained that the fallout went beyond tactics and technical quality, costing the Super Eagles their psychological advantage.

“We didn’t just lose a match; we lost the mental edge required to win the tournament,” Oliseh said.

He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tolerance for indiscipline among fans and stakeholders.

“Scoring goals for Nigeria does not give anyone the right to disrespect teammates, coaches, or certified legends such as Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba,” Oliseh warned. “If we fail to fix discipline and administration, there may soon be no Super Eagles left to support.”

Nigeria lost 4–2 on penalties to Morocco after a 0-0 draw in the semifinal, before bouncing back to defeat Egypt and claimed their ninth AFCON bronze medal.