Chelle defuses Osimhen-Lookman tension as Super Eagles power into AFCON quarters

Speaking after Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique at the Complexe Sportif de Fès on Tuesday night — a result that sealed their place in the quarterfinals — Chelle said the matter would be dealt with internally and would not distract from the team’s objectives.

Television footage showed Osimhen appearing to exchange unfavourable words with Lookman shortly before the striker was substituted...

"What happened on the pitch will stay in the group, I don't need to tell you what happened or what will happen. We will talk and see what happens."

READ: Bryan Mbeumo strikes cautious tone ahead of Morocco clash

Despite the incident, the pair combined effectively on the night. Lookman provided two assists, including one for Osimhen’s second goal.

Osimhen exited the pitch and mixed zone ahead of his teammates after the final whistle, but Lookman has downplayed the exchange.

"No, I've not seen him, but I don't think that's really important, the team won 4-0, and Vic is our number one guy, everyone knows this, and all of the rest of the stuff is not really important."

The Atalanta forward continued his outstanding tournament, taking his tally to three goals and four assists in just three matches — the highest combined total of goals and assists at the competition so far (seven).

He now trails Morocco’s Brahim Díaz by just one goal in the scoring charts but was quick to dismiss any personal ambitions.

Lookman’s performance earned him a second man of the match award, further cementing his status as one of the standout players of AFCON 2025.

Lookman admitted that a deep AFCON run does little to ease the disappointment of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But he still acknowledges that lifting a fourth AFCON title would be a special achievement....