AFCON: Oliseh blames Osimhen for Nigeria’s poor run in Morocco

Nigeria legend Sunday Oliseh has come out to blame forward Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles missed opportunity to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Nigeria’ journey in the 35th edition came to an end after losing to hosts Morocco 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in regular and extra time. After, Nigeria returned home with bronze medal after beating Egypt in the third-place playoff.

Scoring goals doesn’t give you right to disrespect your teammates

“We are confusing talent with licence,” said Oliseh in his YouTube Channel. “Victor Osimhen is world class, but talent is not a licence to destroy team chemistry.”

“Since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest lights, Lookman became a shadow of himself and we lost the bite. When you publicly diminish your teammates, you break their spirit.

“Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that public verbal abuse broke his focus,” he said. “You can’t expect a player to perform miracles when he has been demoralised by his own teammate.”

“The conflict did its damage. We didn’t just lose a game, we lost the psychological edge needed to win.”

Oliseh concluded: “Scoring goals for Nigeria doesn’t give you a licence to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba. It doesn’t give you the right to disrespect your coaches or teammates.

“If we don’t fix the discipline and the administration, there won’t be a Super Eagles left to support.”