Pere Egbi Defends Osimhen Amid On-Pitch Clash With Lookman, Urges Fans to Show Restraint
Media personality Pere Egbi has weighed in on the controversy trailing the on-pitch disagreement between Super Eagles teammates Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, urging fans to exercise restraint and stop calling for Osimhen’s removal from the squad.
The incident occurred on Monday during Nigeria’s knockout encounter against Mozambique, despite Lookman having earlier provided the assists for Osimhen’s two goals in the match. Footage circulating online showed Osimhen confronting Lookman during a tense moment, while Lookman appeared calm throughout the exchange.
The episode sparked widespread debate on social media, with some fans demanding disciplinary action against the Napoli striker. Reacting to the backlash, Egbi described Osimhen as an indispensable part of the Super Eagles, warning that Nigeria could not afford to lose such a key player at a critical stage of the tournament.
Egbi questioned the football knowledge of those calling for sanctions, stressing that Osimhen’s presence is vital to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He cautioned that online pressure and negative commentary could unsettle players and affect their performance on the pitch.
He further warned that unresolved tension within the squad could damage team unity and ultimately undermine Nigeria’s chances of lifting the AFCON trophy.
Addressing claims that Osimhen’s alleged “bad attitude” influenced Chelsea’s decision not to sign him, Egbi dismissed the narrative as misleading. He pointed out that Osimhen had previously turned down interest from the English club, countering suggestions that his character deterred potential suitors.
Egbi concluded by urging fans to support the team responsibly, noting that internal disagreements are not uncommon in competitive football and should be handled without public pressure that could derail the Super Eagles’ campaign.
