AFCON 2025: Ighalo Reveals What Sparked Osimhen-Lookman Clash

Former Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo has shed light on a brief on-field disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ighalo described the incident as minor and suggested that media coverage may have exaggerated the tension. Speaking to SuperSport, he said Osimhen was provoked by something Lookman said during the match, but the issue was quickly resolved.

“I think the media is going too far with this. In games like that, emotions run high, and players react differently,” Ighalo explained. “I spoke to Victor after the match. He told me what Lookman said upset him, but we discussed it, and it was settled in the dressing room. They are friends now, and you cannot fault his commitment to the national team—he fights, scores, and gives his all.”

On Osimhen’s temperament, Ighalo noted that the striker thrives when highly motivated. “The calm Osimhen doesn’t play at his best. You need to see him when he’s fired up, and that’s when he delivers,” he added.