Former Nigerian international Samuel Elijah has taken a swipe at Victor Osimhen over his conduct during Monday night’s Round of 16 victory against Mozambique, SportPremi reports.
Osimhen, who is second on the Super Eagles’ all-time goalscoring chart with 34 goals and is just three from tying Rashidi Yekini’s record, was involved in an on-field altercation during Monday’s clash at the Fez Stadium.
With Nigeria leading 3-0, the 27-year-old angrily confronted teammate Ademola Lookman ahead of a corner kick after the winger ignored his run, despite captain Wilfried Ndidi’s attempts to calm the situation.
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It didn’t stop there as the Galatasaray striker requested to be substituted and headed straight into the tunnel after the match, refusing to participate in the team’s post-match celebrations.
The Super Eagles claimed a 4-0 win over Mozambique in that encounter and progressed to the last eight of the competition where they will face Algeria, who eliminated DR Congo in their own Round of 16 tie.
Everything Sam Elijah said
Reacting after the match, the former Super Eagles international called on head coach Eric Chelle and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to take necessary actions to avoid further occurrences.
“I was disappointed with what I saw. It is disgraceful and let me say this, Osimhen needs to understand that he is one of our best players on the team, not the best player. The Nigeria Football Federation and the coaching crew should call him to order to ensure he does not disrupt the unity of the team”, Sam Elijah revealed.
“Lookman is equally a big player and a former African Footballer of the Year like himself, and he deserves to be respected, especially after assisting his brace during the game.
Personally, I like Victor Osimhen because of his commitment and passion, but he has to understand that he is not the coach. He should focus on himself rather than trying to control other players on the pitch. The team is playing well at the moment, and the last thing we need is for anyone to create division and disunity with a childish attitude”, the former Nigerian midfielder continued.
However, the former Crown FC head coach praised the team’s character in the win over Mozambique and is confident of victory in their clash against Algeria in the last eight.
“The knockout stages are always a different ball game, and it is when things get tougher that you see the best of the Super Eagles. They dominated Mozambique from start to finish. Iwobi had a great game in midfield, and the attackers were well supplied. The next opponent will be tougher, but I am highly optimistic because the Super Eagles are playing well at the moment and are full of confidence”, he added.
“They just need to continue what they are doing and remain patient, because Algeria are equally good. However, I am confident they will progress,” Elijah concluded.
Nigeria and Algeria will face off next Saturday at the last eight of the 2025 AFCON, with a spot in the final four of the competition on the line.
