AFCON 2025: Awaziem Downplays Osimhen–Lookman Clash, Says “It’s Just Football”

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has addressed the much-talked-about on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The incident, which occurred in the second half of the match, sparked reactions among fans and pundits after Osimhen appeared visibly upset with Lookman over a missed passing opportunity. However, Awaziem has moved quickly to calm nerves, insisting that the situation was nothing more than competitive football emotions.

Speaking to reporters after the match, the Nantes defender described both players as fierce competitors driven by a strong desire to win.

“All I can say is that it is a football thing, you know, everyone wants to win,” Awaziem said.
“If Victor wants to win, Victor’s a fighter. Ademola is a fighter. Ndidi is a fighter. Akor—everyone is a fighter. Everyone wants the ball to score.”

Awaziem stressed that the disagreement has since been resolved within the camp and that the team is fully united ahead of their quarter-final clash.

“The issue has been solved. Everyone is cool. Victor is cool. Ademola is cool. Ndidi is cool. Everyone is good. We are just focused on the next game now. There are no issues among us,” he added.

Opinion: Healthy Fire or Hidden Warning?

Awaziem’s comments offer reassurance at a crucial stage of the tournament. In truth, what fans witnessed was the intensity of elite football, especially at a competition as demanding as AFCON. Strikers want goals, creators want impact, and defenders want dominance—it’s all part of the game.

However, while passion is a strength, it must always be balanced with emotional control and team cohesion. The Super Eagles have looked united, hungry, and disciplined so far, and internal misunderstandings—no matter how small—must remain exactly that: small.

The encouraging sign is how quickly the issue was addressed and shut down within the squad. With experienced heads in the team and a calm technical crew under Eric Chelle, Nigeria appear capable of managing these moments maturely.

If anything, this incident highlights a squad burning with ambition, not divided by ego. And if that fire is properly channelled, it could be one of the Super Eagles’ greatest weapons as they push deeper into the tournament.