Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has dismissed speculation of a rift with teammate Victor Osimhen, posting new pitchside photos of the pair following Nigeria’s round-of-16 win over Mozambique at AFCON. Lookman shared the images on Instagram on Tuesday with the caption “TOGETHER ALWAYS”, a gesture that followed fan backlash toward Osimhen after a heated exchange during Monday’s tie. Speaking after the match, Lookman said, “It’s just football. It’s always football. He is my brother,” insisting that emotions on the pitch should not be mistaken for personal conflict.
Team captain Wilfred Ndidi and Sporting CP defender Bruno Onyemaechi also appeared in the Instagram post, which was published amid widespread online debate over Osimhen’s outbursts. The Super Eagles skipper Wilfred Ndidi similarly played down the incident, attributing it to competitive intensity and a “shared mindset.” Reports from PUNCH Online noted that fans booed Osimhen after the clash, but senior figures within Chelle’s squad maintain that dressing-room unity remains intact as the tournament advances. The win sees Nigeria progress to a potential quarter-final meeting against either Algeria or DR Congo.