06/01/2026
Victor Osimhen should honestly search his name on social media and listen to Nigerians. Not because we hate him, far from it, but because love sometimes demands truth.
Osimhen is a fantastic footballer. World class. A pride of Nigeria. But greatness is not only about talent, it is also about temperament, maturity, and team spirit. What happened yesterday was unacceptable. In a 4–0 Round of 16 victory, a match that should have been remembered for dominance and unity, one man’s actions shifted the narrative. He asked to be substituted, stopped contesting for the ball, walked straight down the tunnel, and left his teammates behind. That is not passion, that is poor sportsmanship.
And this is not new. He has shown similar behavior with his club coach and even with the national team coach. It keeps happening because we Nigerians are sentimental, we excuse everything because he is Osimhen. But love without accountability breeds indiscipline.
Now let’s talk football, AFCON football, not club reputation.
When it comes to AFCON, Ademola Lookman has been the better performer. Not louder, not more dramatic, just more effective.
Osimhen has attended multiple AFCON tournaments, yet he scored his first AFCON goal only after 10 appearances. Yes, he is Nigeria’s second highest scorer overall, and that deserves respect, but AFCON is not about CVs, it is about impact on the tournament.
Lookman, on the other hand, shows up when it matters. Across the AFCON editions he has played, he has delivered goals, assists, and consistent performances. He scored crucial goals, created chances, tracked back, pressed defenders, and never made the game about himself. While others demand substitutions, Lookman demands responsibility.
That is the difference.
One player draws attention to himself, the other draws attention to the team.
One lets frustration take over, the other lets performance speak.
So let’s stop defending bad behavior in the name of passion. Passion does not abandon teammates. Passion does not hijack a historic win. Passion fights until the final whistle.
Osimhen is a great player, but at AFCON, Lookman has been the better servant of Nigeria. And until we learn to separate talent from attitude, we will keep clapping for individuals while the team pays the price.
Sometimes, the truth must be said, even when it’s uncomfortable.
