Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has stressed that no individual is above the national team, as he weighed in on the on-field exchange between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s convincing victory over Mozambique.
Mikel maintained that Osimhen’s passion and high intensity are key qualities that fuel his outstanding performances.
Osimhen found himself at the centre of attention after exchanging words with Ademola Lookman during Monday’s Round of 16 encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite Nigeria already leading 3-0, the Galatasaray striker was visibly upset when Lookman opted to shoot rather than square the ball to him in a clearer scoring position.
“It is a team game,” Osimhen was heard saying while pointing at Lookman, who had earlier provided an assist in the match.
Although Osimhen later scored twice in the 4-0 rout of the Mambas, his immediate reaction after being substituted and his decision to walk straight down the tunnel at full time, sparked concerns about harmony within the Super Eagles camp.
The incident generated widespread debate among fans, with some questioning the 27-year-old’s conduct.
However, Lookman quickly played down the altercation, describing it as purely football-related and insisting there was nothing personal between them.
Nigeria’s dominance against Mozambique saw Osimhen net a brace, Lookman register a goal, and Akor Adams also get on the scoresheet.
Lookman was named Man of the Match for the second time in the tournament, capping an impressive all-round display.
Reacting to the controversy on his ObiOne Podcast, Mikel passionately defended Osimhen, warning against trying to tame the striker’s competitive edge.
“No player is bigger than the club or country,” Mikel declared, emphasizing that individual talent should always serve the greater good of the team.
“Victor Osimhen is a very humble and nice kid, but he plays the way he plays and I don’t want to see that taken away from him,” Mikel said. “The way he fights on the pitch… He fights like a lion. I like to see that, I want him to keep that. Don’t take that away from Victor. If you take that away from Victor, you don’t get the best out of him.”
While backing Osimhen’s mentality, the former Chelsea midfielder admitted the Napoli-born striker crossed a line during the Mozambique match.
“The part where he stopped playing, running and making efforts; that part I don’t like,” Mikel added. “The part where he stood up after the game and walked straight into the dressing room… that part he’ll be the first to say I f***** up.”
Amid speculation that Osimhen could leave the Super Eagles camp and return to Turkey, reports later confirmed the striker remained with the squad and participated fully in training.
Footage aired by Channels Television showed Osimhen actively engaging with teammates, easing fears of unrest ahead of Nigeria’s quarterfinal showdown with Algeria.
The Nigeria Football Federation also released a statement assuring fans that the camp atmosphere remained positive.
Osimhen’s availability comes as a major boost for head coach Eric Chelle, with the forward already tallying three goals at the tournament.
With his physical presence, aerial strength and growing chemistry alongside Lookman and Akor Adams, Osimhen remains pivotal as Nigeria chase a fourth AFCON title and their first since lifting the trophy in 2013.
