Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has broken his silence on the on‑field confrontation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4‑0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the incident as a product of competitive drive rather than a deep‑seated rift.
Speaking on his widely followed Obi One Podcast, Mikel praised Osimhen’s intensity and warrior mentality, qualities he believes are crucial for success at the highest level of football.
“One thing people need to understand about Victor is that he plays with his heart on his sleeve,” Mikel said, characterising the forward’s emotional reaction as rooted in ambition and passion. “He’s a fighter, he plays like a warrior, and that’s what top teams need.”
Mikel acknowledged that Osimhen’s frustration, captured during a heated exchange with Lookman over a passing decision — was understandable for a striker chasing a personal milestone and pushing for maximum impact. At the time, Osimhen had already scored twice and was seeking a third goal when the confrontation occurred.
However, the former Chelsea midfielder also cautioned against actions that could harm team cohesion. “The part where he walked straight into the dressing room after the game, that part I didn’t like,” Mikel added, stressing that unity and collective responsibility should always take precedence over individual emotion. “Football is about the team. No individual is bigger than the national team.”
Mikel also expressed admiration for Lookman’s maturity in handling the situation, noting the winger’s composed public response after the match and his emphasis on team success over personal dispute.
“I like seeing players argue and demand more from each other on the pitch,” Mikel said. “What matters is that once the game is over, you make up and move on.”
The clash, which drew significant fan and media attention, did not prevent Nigeria from delivering a dominant performance to reach the quarter‑finals, but it highlighted the intense competitive temperaments within a squad under pressure to secure AFCON glory.
Mikel urged head coach Eric Chelle to manage such emotions constructively going forward, ensuring that fiery competitiveness continues to fuel results without fracturing team harmony.
Nigeria now prepare for a quarter‑final battle against Algeria following their resounding win over Mozambique.
Leave feedback about this