Nigerian international Benjamin Tanimu has shared his thoughts on Monday’s high-tension exchange between two former African Player of the Year winners, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, at the 2025 AFCON.
Nigeria’s impressive 4-0 win against Mozambique was partially eclipsed by a heated exchange between Osimhen and Lookman, prompting a formal response from the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Galatasaray striker drew heavy criticism from supporters after he refused to take part in the post-match team huddle and snubbed media interviews. Despite the optics of his hasty exit, the team’s leadership has moved to calm the waters.
Both coach Eric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi dismissed concerns of a lasting feud, stating that the two stars resolved the dispute shortly after the match.
WHAT BENJAMIN TANIMU SAID ABOUT THE OSIMHEN-LOOKMAN ISSUE
In an exclusive interview with FARPost, the 23-year-old MAS FES star, who has been a rising fixture in the national team, offered his perspective on the issue. He believes that what appears to be confrontation is actually a desperate hunger for victory.
“It’s football, so everyone has their own way of expressing themselves and their passion,” Tanimu explained. “That’s his [Osimhen] own way of expressing himself. For me, the team wants to win… I see he wants to score more goals, it’s just passion, nothing serious.”
Tanimu, who earned his stripes during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, believes “after the scene there in the dressing room, everything might have been sorted out.” According to the versatile defender, Osimhen is a ‘fighter’ in every sense of the word, even during team meals.
“He is a lovely guy, and he also likes to encourage us, the younger ones. He’s also a fighter … Everywhere he goes, he’s also a fighter, even when in the dining, he encourages us… he’s a very good guy.”
Nigeria will, once again, look to Osimhen and Lookman as they face Algeria in the quarterfinals in Marrakech on Saturday. The two forwards have scored six of the 12 goals the Super Eagles have netted so far. With three goals apiece, Lookman has also provided four assists.
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