The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved swiftly to calm nerves after a flashpoint involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman sparked widespread debate online.
The incident, which occurred during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique, raised fears of unrest inside the Super Eagles camp.
However, officials insist the situation was quickly handled and posed no threat to team unity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NFF dismissed what it described as exaggerated reports suggesting a crisis within the squad.
The federation spoke through the team’s Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, following Nigeria’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The concern arose after Osimhen was seen confronting Lookman moments before a corner kick against Mozambique’s Mambas.
Clips of the exchange circulated widely, therefore fueling speculation across traditional and digital media platforms. Some reports even hinted at deep divisions among players.
However, the NFF described such claims as misleading. According to Achor, the scene had been misread and blown out of proportion.
“There is no problem whatsoever in our camp. Whatever people saw as a crisis between two brothers was easily resolved a couple of hours later. All is good and we are presently at training.”
Moreover, the federation addressed another rumour involving striker Jerome Akor Adams. Reports had suggested he walked out of the camp after the match.
The NFF clarified that his absence was approved and brief. “He took permission to go and see his mother who was hospitalized here in Fès, and returned in less than an hour.”
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman also played down talk of tension with Osimhen. Speaking after the match, the winger stressed that the team’s victory mattered more than any on-field emotions.
“I haven’t talked to Victor Osimhen since the game, but what matters is that we won,” Lookman said. “He is a top player and very important to the team. For me, there is no big issue.”
Furthermore, Lookman urged Nigerians to stay focused on the bigger picture, especially after recent disappointments in World Cup qualification.
He emphasized that the squad remains united around its AFCON goal.
The NFF believes the episode highlights passion rather than division. Therefore, it warned against reading too much into competitive moments during high-stakes matches.
