Criticism of Victor Osimhen’s conduct toward his teammates has grown louder, and rightly so. Football is a collective enterprise. Teams succeed not only through talent, but through maturity, mutual respect, and a strong professional bond among players. When these elements weaken, performance suffers, no matter the quality on display.
What played out yesterday marked the peak, at least in recent memory, of a troubling pattern in Victor Osimhen’s on-field behavior. This did not begin with the most recent incident. Many still recall his visible rage after Nigeria’s 1–1 draw against Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier, a match in which he rejected repeated attempts by teammates to calm him. The image of him aggressively confronting his namesake, Victor Boniface, remains vivid and unsettling.
The conduct witnessed again yesterday reinforces concerns that have lingered for some time. It mirrors earlier moments, such as the match against Mozambique, where Osimhen publicly ignored the team captain, Wilfred Ndidi, shouted at Ademola Lookman, and later walked alone into the tunnel without acknowledging teammates or fans after the final whistle. These are not isolated flashes of emotion. They form a consistent pattern.
There are also previous instances beyond the pitch that raise questions about temperament and professionalism. Osimhen’s public criticism of Finidi George, then head coach and a respected former international, crossed the boundaries of acceptable player conduct. At club level, there have been scenes of confrontations with opponents that nearly escalated into physical altercations. Such behavior does not align with the standards expected of a player carrying both national responsibility and global recognition.
It is important to state a basic truth. Every player in the national team and at club level is an equal. There is no alpha male in a football team. Once hierarchy of ego replaces unity of purpose, the squad fractures. Nigerian football has suffered before from divisions created by perceived “big boys,” and the damage to team spirit and results from that era remains a clear lesson. Repeating that history would be costly.
Ademola Lookman deserves particular mention in this discussion. He has formed an effective and often decisive partnership with Osimhen. Many of Osimhen’s goals for the Super Eagles have been influenced directly or indirectly by Lookman’s movement, assists, and tactical intelligence. It is fair to argue that Lookman has had one of the most positive impacts on Osimhen’s output in the current team.
Both players are accomplished in their own right. Osimhen won the Italian league with Napoli and was crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year in that same period. Lookman lifted the Europa League with Atalanta and succeeded Osimhen as Africa’s best player. These are two elite footballers, evenly matched in pedigree and achievement. Respect between them should be automatic.
History shows that talent alone is never enough. Football is filled with gifted players whose careers fell short of their full promise due to poor discipline and strained relationships. Karim Benzema, David Ginola, Eric Cantona, and Djalminha all come to mind. Despite immense ability, issues of attitude and control limited what could have been even greater legacies, especially at international level.
Nigeria has never lacked attacking talent. Osimhen should remember that no player is indispensable. Before him came Rashidi Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Julius Aghahowa, Victor Agali, and others. The conveyor belt of strikers has not dried up, and it will not stop with this generation.
Nigeria has already missed out on World Cup qualification. The focus now must be singular. Winning the Africa Cup of Nations. As the tournament reaches its decisive stages, unity is not optional. The Super Eagles are set to face the winner of Algeria versus Congo in the quarterfinals. If that hurdle is crossed, the winner of Morocco versus Cameroon awaits in the semifinals. These are demanding fixtures that require total cohesion.
This is not the time for division, ego, or personal grievances. It is a moment that calls for restraint, humility, and leadership from every player, especially those regarded as stars. The success of the team must always come before individual emotion.
Wise counsel must prevail.
