By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York
As Nigeria prepare for their crucial AFCON 2025 quarterfinal showdown against Algeria on Saturday in Morocco, Inter Lagos FC head coach Shakiru Giwa has called on Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle to urgently resolve the reported altercation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
In an exclusive interview with JerseyNumber12 on Tuesday, Giwa emphasized that *unity and team harmony* must take priority if Nigeria are to advance deeper into the tournament.
“It is the duty of Eric Chelle to settle the dispute between the players to foster unity ahead of the quarterfinal game,” Giwa stated. “It is normal for players to argue over missed chances, but this was too visible. They should not allow this to destabilize them.”
Nigeria’s quarterfinal against Algeria is set for Saturday at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
The tension arose during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique on Monday, where Osimhen appeared visibly upset after Lookman opted to shoot instead of passing during a counterattack. The Galatasaray striker reportedly shouted, “No try am again,” at Lookman and later requested to be substituted, storming off the pitch and heading straight to the tunnel after full-time. Reports indicate he left the dressing room area early, refused to speak with teammates or the media, and was the first to board the team bus, raising internal concern.
Coach Giwa, a former Julius Berger FC defender, urged both players to move past the incident and focus on preparing for Algeria — the side that eliminated Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON semifinals.
“To be honest with you, I watched all the Super Eagles games. I think this is Nigeria’s time to win the AFCON again — if they allow peace and unity to reign in the camp,” he added.
Giwa also praised the team’s evolution under Chelle, noting a clear improvement in style and cohesion compared to Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers.
“The difference between the World Cup qualifiers and this AFCON is miles apart. They’re now playing compact football. If they stick to the manager’s instructions, they can go all the way.”
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