Former Nigeria international Samuel Elijah in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has criticized Victor Osimhen’s conduct during the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations last-16 win over Mozambique, describing it as “disgraceful”.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Elijah called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and head coach Eric Chelle to intervene following an on-pitch altercation involving the Napoli striker.
Osimhen was caught on video angrily confronting teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory in Fez, reportedly over Lookman’s failure to pass the ball in a promising attacking position.
The confrontation between the two former African Footballers of the Year escalated, with Osimhen later appearing to stop tracking back before requesting to be substituted. The incident overshadowed an otherwise dominant performance by the Super Eagles, as well as Lookman’s standout display in which he scored once and provided three assists.
“I was disappointed with what I saw,” Elijah exclusively told Footy-Africa. “It is disgraceful and let me say this: Osimhen needs to understand that he is one of our best players on the team, not the best player. The Nigeria Football Federation and the coaching crew should call him to order to ensure he does not disrupt the unity of the team.”
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“Lookman is equally a big player and a former African Footballer of the Year like himself, and he deserves to be respected, especially after assisting his brace during the game,” he said.
Osimhen, who now plays for Turkish side Galatasaray, was also seen heading straight down the tunnel at full-time, missing the team’s post-match celebrations. He was later the first player to leave the dressing room and board the team bus.
“Personally, I like Victor Osimhen because of his commitment and passion, but he has to understand that he is not the coach. He should focus on himself rather than trying to control other players on the pitch. The team is playing well at the moment, and the last thing we need is for anyone to create division and disunity with a childish attitude,” Elijah noted.
Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarter-finals, a repeat of their 2019 AFCON meeting, where the Desert Foxes eliminated the Super Eagles.
Algeria defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 and eventually won the tournament for the second time.
“The knockout stages are always a different ball game, and it is when things get tougher that you see the best of the Super Eagles. They dominated Mozambique from start to finish. Iwobi had a great game in midfield, and the attackers were well supplied. The next opponent will be tougher, but I am highly optimistic because the Super Eagles are playing well at the moment and are full of confidence.
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They just need to continue what they are doing and remain patient, because Algeria are equally good. However, I am confident they will progress,” Elijah concluded.
