Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen reportedly threatened to quit the Nigerian national team and return to Turkey following an emotional outburst during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Arise News, the Napoli forward was visibly furious after an on-field altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman, despite having already scored a brace from the winger’s assists. Trouble reportedly started in the 64th minute when Osimhen felt Lookman ignored a clear passing option, choosing instead to go for goal himself.

Moments later, Osimhen gestured angrily towards the bench, asking to be substituted. He was eventually replaced by Moses Simon, but his frustration did not end there.

After the final whistle, Osimhen reportedly stormed out of the stadium, dropped his accreditation card, and declared he was “done” with the national team, insisting he wanted to return to Turkey, where he is currently based at club level. Senior officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were said to have intervened quickly, calming the striker and preventing the situation from escalating further.

Opinion: Passion or Problem? A Moment the Eagles Must Manage Carefully

Osimhen’s reaction has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. On one hand, his anger reflects the elite mentality of a top striker—a player who constantly wants the ball, demands excellence, and thrives on responsibility. That hunger is part of what makes him one of Africa’s most feared forwards.

On the other hand, AFCON is a team tournament, and moments like this, if not properly managed, can disrupt harmony in a squad that has otherwise looked united and ruthless. Lookman and Osimhen have combined brilliantly throughout the competition, making the incident even more concerning.

The positive takeaway is the swift intervention by NFF officials, showing leadership and maturity behind the scenes. With the quarter-finals looming, Nigeria cannot afford internal distractions. If anything, this incident should serve as a reminder that communication, composure, and collective purpose matter just as much as goals.

Handled well, this could simply be a blip in an otherwise strong campaign. But handled poorly, it risks becoming an unnecessary crack in a team chasing continental glory.