Nigeria’s heartbreaking exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has left fans reeling, and former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh is pointing the finger squarely at one player: Victor Osimhen. But here's where it gets controversial – Oliseh claims it wasn’t just a loss on the pitch, but a failure of discipline and unity that cost Nigeria the title.
In a candid analysis on his YouTube channel, Oliseh didn’t hold back, arguing that Osimhen’s public clash with teammate Ademola Lookman during the tournament created a toxic environment that undermined the team’s cohesion. The incident, which occurred during Nigeria’s 4–0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique, saw Osimhen visibly rebuke Lookman for not passing the ball in a promising attacking situation. While Nigeria advanced to the quarter-finals, the fallout was immediate and far-reaching.
And this is the part most people miss – Oliseh believes the altercation had a lasting impact on Lookman’s performance, which in turn weakened Nigeria’s attacking prowess in the semifinal. He stated, “We’re confusing talent with a free pass. Victor Osimhen is undeniably world-class, but no amount of skill justifies disrupting team harmony. After that confrontation, Lookman’s form dropped significantly, and we lost our edge at a critical moment.”
Oliseh’s critique goes beyond a single incident. He highlights Osimhen’s previous public criticism of former Super Eagles coach Finidi George as another example of unchecked behavior. While acknowledging Osimhen’s value to the team, Oliseh firmly asserts that no player is above the collective. “Scoring goals doesn’t grant you the right to disrespect legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba,” he said. “If goals alone justified arrogance, what about the players who elevated Nigerian football to global heights? We respected the jersey, knowing victory is fleeting but character endures.”
Here’s the real kicker – Oliseh warns that the fan culture now tolerating such behavior is dangerous for Nigerian football. He also took issue with the celebrations following Nigeria’s third-place finish, arguing that settling for bronze fosters a culture of mediocrity. “There was a time when second place brought tears, because anything less than the trophy felt like failure,” he added.
Oliseh’s message is clear: without addressing discipline and administration, the Super Eagles risk losing their legacy. But what do you think? Is Osimhen’s talent enough to excuse his actions, or does Oliseh have a point about the importance of team unity? Let’s spark a debate – share your thoughts in the comments below!
