Sports
Why I liked the Osimhen-Lookman on-field clash – Mikel
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.
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Sports
‘I’ll personally pay the bonuses’ — Super Eagles captain Ndidi desperate to avoid AFCON 2025 disgrace
Nigeria’s captain Wilfred Ndidi has shown the leadership qualities that gave him the Super Eagles armband by offering to pay outstanding bonuses for his teammates and country staff....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has stepped forward with a dramatic intervention as Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign risks being overshadowed by unpaid bonuses.
With tensions rising ahead of the quarter-final clash against Algeria, the midfielder has vowed to personally cover the players’ entitlements if authorities fail to act in time.
Ndidi offers to pay teammates to prevent boycott
According to respected journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Ndidi has made an extraordinary commitment in a bid to keep the Super Eagles focused on football.
The Besiktas star revealed he has been pushing the squad to continue training and remain committed to preparations despite the ongoing bonus dispute.
“I’ve been pushing the team to train and play the game vs Algeria. I’ve been doing this since the second game,” Ndidi was quoted as saying. He went further by assuring both players and coaching staff that he would personally step in if necessary. “I’ve now made a commitment to the staff & players that I’ll personally pay the bonuses if the authority fail to before Saturday. I don’t want this unpaid bonuses to affect our preparations.”
The offer comes amid reports that players were considering boycotting training and travel to Marrakech after failing to receive win bonuses from victories over Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique.
Nigeria topped Group C with a perfect record before thrashing Mozambique 4–0 in the Round of 16, making the standoff particularly frustrating at such a crucial stage.
NFF and CBN respond as pressure mounts
As the situation escalated, the Nigerian Football Federation moved to calm nerves by explaining the delay.
According to a previous Pulse Sports Nigeria report, a senior NFF official confirmed that the Central Bank of Nigeria is processing the payments directly into the individual bank accounts of players and officials.
The federation insists the funds have been released and that all outstanding bonuses will be paid once the banking process is completed.
With the Super Eagles set to face Algeria on Saturday, January 10, the NFF will be hoping Ndidi’s leadership and the promised payments prevent a damaging distraction as Eric Chelle’s side chase AFCON glory.
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Egypt forward, Mohamed Salah, has insisted they are not favourites to emerge champions at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
In an interview with CAF Online, Salah claimed they were just ready to fight for their country.
The Liverpool superstar has found the back of net three times at the tournament, as the Pharoahs progressed into the quarter-final.
Egypt will now take on champions Ivory Coast on Saturday, for a place in the final four.
“I don’t think we are favourites. We have young players, most of them playing back home in Egypt,” Salah said.
“We are just fighting for our country, then we see where we can go. Everyone here just wants to give their best.”
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Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman has suggested how Nigeria will approach their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, quarter-final clash against Algeria on Saturday.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING
Both teams advanced to the last-8 after winning their matches against Mozambique and DR Congo, respectively, in the Round of 16 stage.
Speaking ahead of the last-8 tie, Lookman insisted that Eric Chelle’s side will approach their fixture against the Desert Foxes with the mentality to win and also be aggressive on the ball.
“Everyone is physically strong,” Lookman said via CAFOnline. “It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.”
“Same mentality from the team,” the Atalanta star added. “Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”
Lookman has been Nigeria’s most influential player so far at the AFCON, scoring three goals and registering five assists.
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