Former Nigeria captain Sunday Oliseh has attributed the Super Eagles’ failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to a public dispute involving star striker Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria’s campaign ended in the semi-finals with a loss to host nation Morocco, ultimately securing a bronze medal.
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However, Oliseh believes the team’s potential for the title was derailed by a breakdown in team unity.
The former coach pointed to an on-field argument between Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman during the 4-0 Round of 16 victory against Mozambique.
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Osimhen was visibly angered when Lookman opted not to pass to him in a promising goal-scoring position.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh analyzed the incident’s impact. “Let’s look at the toxicity that might have caused us the AFCON title,” he stated.
“We are confusing talent with permission. Victor Osimhen is world-class, but talent doesn’t give you the right to break team chemistry.”
Oliseh argued that the public confrontation had a detrimental effect on Lookman’s performance for the remainder of the tournament.
“Look at the evidence. Since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest players, Lookman became a shadow of himself and we lost our edge,” Oliseh explained.
He elaborated on the psychological damage, noting, “When you publicly disrespect your teammates, you break their confidence. You destroy the spirit a team needs to win a semifinal. Against a team as smart as Morocco, we needed our best players at full strength.”
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Oliseh highlighted Lookman’s importance to the squad, citing his form before the incident.
“Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament, until that public verbal attack broke his focus,” he said.
“You can’t expect a playmaker to do miracles on the pitch when he’s been demoralized by his own teammate.”
In Oliseh’s view, the conflict’s consequences were severe. “The conflict did its damage. We didn’t just lose a game; we lost the mental edge needed to win.”
