Osimhen, Lookman feud cost Nigeria AFCON title – Oliseh

Former Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh has claimed a reported rift between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman played a key role in the Super Eagles’ failure to win the Africa Cup of Nations final. Oliseh made the comments this week while reflecting on Nigeria’s defeat in the tournament decider.

According to Oliseh, tension between the two attacking stars disrupted unity at a critical stage. “At that level, harmony is everything,” Oliseh said. “When key players are not fully aligned, it affects decision-making and execution.”

Osimhen and Lookman were among Nigeria’s standout performers at AFCON, combining for several goals en route to the final. However, Oliseh argued that internal issues proved costly, adding, “Nigeria had the quality to win the title, but small cracks made a big difference.”