Osimhen’s Row in Morocco: Nigeria’s Camp Drama Before Algeria Clash
6 January 2026
What happened in Morocco
Victor Osimhen reportedly left the Nigeria squad in Morocco after a tense confrontation with Ademola Lookman during the Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 win over Mozambique. The incident occurred in the 63rd minute when Lookman lost the ball and Osimhen reacted strongly, demanding a pass and engaging in a heated exchange that fans captured on video.
Captain Wilfried Ndidi tried to intervene to calm Osimhen, but the forward's mood remained unsettled, particularly when the ball was in Lookman's feet. Nigeria's coach Erik Shill later made the substitution in the 68th minute, bringing Moses Simon on in place of Osimhen.
What it means for Nigeria
According to team officials, the camp trained normally the following day and there were no broader issues reported. The federation said Osimhen's departure was not a sign of a split, and the group remains focused on the tournament as Nigeria prepares to face Algeria in the quarterfinals.
Social media reacted with a mix of criticism and support, underscoring how quickly a moment in the match can become a talking point around the world. Nigeria’s depth will be tested in a high-stakes knockout match as the tournament continues.
Punchline 1: If Osimhen’s mood swings were a football tactic, Nigeria would be unstoppable—until the ball misbehaves, then it’s a soap opera.
Punchline 2: They say football is a game of two halves; in this squad, it’s a game of two temperaments—yours and the referee’s stopwatch.
