AFCON: Fans Slam Osimhen For Outburst At Lookman, Requesting To Be Subbed Off
Nigerian football fans have condemned Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for his angry outburst at teammate Ademola Lookman during Monday’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16.
The Galatasaray striker during the game yelled at Lookman in the 63rd minute after the Atalanta man missed a chance when Osimhen was open for a chance. A footage circulating online, Osimhen first pulled away from captain Wilfred Ndidi, then pointed his finger angrily at Lookman before shouting his displeasure at his teammate. At the end, he could be heard saying in pidgin, “No try am again,” which means “do not try that again.”
Osimhen asked to be subbed off subsequently and was then booed off the pitch by the fans as Moses Simon came on for the striker.
The incident sparked widespread criticism on social media platform X, with fans questioning Osimhen’s attitude despite the team’s dominant performance.
Social media influencer, Thεό Abu wrote, “You people need to stop referring to Osimhen’s “main character syndrome” and disgusting behaviour as passion.
“Passion is selflessly giving your all. Osimhen is not selfless, and he doesn’t have an iota of grace or respect for his teammates and fans.”
Korede kimmich described the striker’s action as disrespectful. He wrote, “Osimhen should stop all these gimmicks of shouting at his teammates It’s so disrespectful
Abiodun Adeleke, said Osimhen disrespected Lookman and should apologise for his actions.
Adeleke noted that Lookman has every right to shoot, adding that the Atalanta winger had already gave Osimhen two assist in the same game before the incident.
“It is not out of place for him to be selfish! Osimhen disrespected him and his other teammates with that show of shame! It is unacceptable! There’s nothing “mentality” about what he did. The team is bigger than him even tho he is our best player,” he stated.
The Super Eagles will face either Algeria or DR Congo in the last eight as they chase their first AFCON title since 2013.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
