The Super Eagles of Nigeria winger Samuel Chukwueze had fans laughing after Nigeria’s 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Chukwueze played just seven minutes in the match, which had already been wrapped up thanks to goals from Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Victor Osimhen.

Lookman, who scored once and assisted twice, was named Man of the Match, narrowly missing out on a third assist due to a slight touch from Adams on a cross intended for Osimhen.

Despite his limited time on the pitch, Chukwueze kept the team bus waiting entertained. The Fulham winger, known for his humour, poked fun at teammates like Lookman and Calvin Bassey, whose extended post-match interviews were holding up the squad’s departure.

“If I ever win a Man of the Match, I’ll make sure to spend hours doing interviews,” he joked.

Chukwueze’s levity has been a recurring feature for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2025, helping ease the nerves of younger and newer players, and balancing the tension following the recent altercation between Osimhen and Lookman.

The Fulham star has featured in three matches so far, starting Nigeria’s first and last group games, while coming off the bench in the round of 16. In every outing, he has impressed with his contributions both in attack and defence, leaving fans eager to see more minutes from the quick-footed winger as the tournament progresses.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are scheduled to meet Algeria in the quarter-final stage of the AFCON 2025 at 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has weighed in on the heated clash involving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Osimhen and Lookman’s confrontation occurred after the latter failed to pass to Osimhen in a promising move that could have secured the striker’s hat-trick.

Speaking on his Obi One podcast on YouTube on Wednesday, Mikel described Osimhen’s reaction as part of the “warrior spirit” needed for success at the highest level.

“One thing people need to understand about Victor is that he plays with his heart on his sleeve,” Mikel said.

“He’s a fighter, he plays like a warrior, and that’s what top teams need. He gives everything on the pitch, and that’s how he gets the best out of himself.”

At the time of the incident, Osimhen had already scored twice in the match, with both goals assisted by Lookman, before demanding a substitution midway through the second half while Nigeria led 3–0. The Galatasaray striker was seen shouting and gesturing, and he bypassed team celebrations at full-time, leaving directly for the tunnel amid boos from fans.

Mikel said he understood Osimhen’s frustration, highlighting the mindset of most strikers in similar situations.

“As a striker, when you score two goals, you want the third. Any striker would feel frustrated in that situation. Victor is a player who wins games for us, not just with the ball but with his work rate off it as well,” he added.

While praising the competitive edge displayed by both players, Mikel expressed disapproval of Osimhen’s actions after the incident, particularly his body language and early exit.

“The part where he stopped playing, running and making efforts; that part I don’t like. The part where he stood up after the game and walked straight into the dressing room. That part I didn’t like. Football is always about the team. No individual is bigger than the national team, and Victor knows that.”

The ex-Chelsea star, however, welcomed the intensity of the confrontation, arguing that successful teams often thrive on high emotions and internal demands for excellence.

“I like seeing players argue and demand more from each other on the pitch. What matters is that once the game is over, you make up and move on.”

He also commended Lookman for his mature response after the match and expressed confidence that both players would resolve the issue quickly.

“They are both important to this team. The manager has to manage the situation well because the last thing you want is friction between your two best players.”

Nigeria will face Algeria in their AFCON quarter-final on Saturday as they continue their bid for the title.

Former Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel has praised four players from the national team after Nigeria made it to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The Super Eagles are seen as the top team to win the trophy in Morocco, especially because they have done well in attack.

They have scored twelve goals so far, which is the highest number of goals by any team in the tournament.

This is very different from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles played mostly defensively under Jose Peseiro.

The 12 goals were shared by seven different players, and two of them, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, scored half of the goals.

Raphael Onyedika scored two goals, and Wilfred Ndidi, Paul Onuachu, Akor Adams, and Semi Ajayi each scored one goal.

With his brace against Mozambique, Osimhen is now just three goals away from matching Rashidi Yekini’s 28-year-old record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer.

Mikel talked about the Nigerian players who have impressed in Morocco and praised Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi for playing really well in the tournament.

“I really want to see Victor Osimhen be the top goalscorer because he deserves it.

“Ademola Lookman as well, playing really well,” Mikel said on The Obi One podcast, adding that both players are “completely on fire.”

He continued, “Alex Iwobi has been really amazing in this tournament. I’ve been looking forward to this from Alex Iwobi for a long time.

“Finally, we get to see the Alex Iwobi everyone is familiar with, performing well, everything flowing through him, making good chances, and delivering those passes.

“Of course Ndidi, who is the captain and the key player in the team, helps keep everything balanced.”

Up next for Nigeria is a quarterfinal match with Algeria on Saturday.