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.

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The incident occurred during the match despite Lookman having earlier assisted one of Osimhen’s goals. Footage shared online showed the Napoli forward angrily approaching Lookman, while the winger appeared calm throughout the exchange.

The moment sparked widespread debate on social media, with critics questioning Osimhen’s conduct. Reacting on X, Tacha argued that the striker is being unfairly targeted, suggesting that familiarity has caused fans to downplay his importance to the national team.

She compared Osimhen to global football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, questioning whether similar behaviour from the Portuguese star would have attracted the same level of backlash. According to her, Osimhen’s passion is being misinterpreted rather than understood.

Tacha further noted that Osimhen was on course for a hat-trick at the time of the incident, stressing that his reaction stemmed from competitive intensity rather than malice. She dismissed calls for disciplinary action, insisting that such passion is part of what makes him one of the world’s top attackers.

The media personality concluded by urging fans to remain calm and supportive, stating that Osimhen’s drive and commitment are key assets to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, not weaknesses to be criticised.

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Nigeria entered the tournament with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Tanzania, fueled by strikes from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman. Conversely, Tunisia delivered a more dominant performance in their opener, dismantling Uganda 3-1 behind a brace from Elias Achouri and an Ellyes Skhiri goal.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has emphasized tactical discipline and physical readiness following a period of intense preparation. During Friday’s pre-match briefing, the Franco-Malian tactician highlighted the importance of focus against a technically proficient Tunisian side that currently leads the group on goal difference.

“For this game, we had a training session to recover, and we tried to put more intensity in the training session. Tunisia is a great team, and they are playing very well. Let’s go for this game,” Chelle said in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

While acknowledging defensive lapses during the opening match against the Taifa Stars, Chelle remains optimistic about his team’s mental fortitude. He noted that the squad’s immediate response to conceding was a positive sign of their growth under his leadership.

“We analysed the game, and we did some things in the game, bad and good. But the goal was bad for us. The reality was that we scored immediately after the goal, and that was a good reaction. We will work on it, and if there is no mistake, there is no goal, but my players are very ready for this game.”

Captain Wilfred Ndidi echoed this confidence, framing the match as an opportunity to settle a score from the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon. In that tournament, Tunisia eliminated a favored Nigerian side with a 1-0 victory in the Round of 16, a memory that still motivates the current roster.

“It was a painful loss in 2021. It gives us more confidence when we talk about it. We don’t want to think about what happened; we just want to face this one,” Ndidi said. “Definitely, it is a new team, good players, and a good group. We spoke highly of it because it is not going to happen twice, hopefully.”

The veteran midfielder also dismissed concerns regarding external pressure following Nigeria’s failure to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He insisted that the team views this continental tournament as the primary platform to redeem themselves and prove their status as Africa’s elite.

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Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been appointed as the team’s main assistant captain, serving as the primary deputy to the newly appointed captain, Wilfred Ndidi. In addition to his leadership role, Osimhen has officially taken over from Troost-Ekong as the Super Eagles’ designated penalty taker.

The New Leadership Hierarchy

While seniority (caps and years of service) traditionally dictates the captaincy in the Nigerian national team, the technical crew opted for a blend of experience and “vocal influence” for this tournament:

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The highly anticipated Group C clash is set for Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the Fez Stadium (Complexe Sportif de Fès) in Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 PM local time (5:30 PM Nigerian time).

The 26-year-old Galatasaray striker, who arrived in Morocco following a stellar club run in Turkey, emphasized that despite being overwhelming favorites, the team will treat every opponent with the intensity of a cup final.

“It’s all about going to war. Tuesday is the first one, and we will give everything. We are not underrating anyone in our group, but I think we’re up there with so many favorites in this tournament. We’re going to give our all to make sure that we actualize the dream of trying to win the AFCON,” Osimhen told journalist Kelechi Anyikude.

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While technical director Eric Chelle reportedly favors veteran midfielder Wilfred Ndidi to inherit the armband, Ighalo argues that Osimhen possesses the specific vocal temperament required to lead the national team effectively.

During an extensive interview with former team media officer Colin Udoh, Ighalo emphasized that the Galatasaray forward has the necessary influence to represent the interests of the squad.

He noted that while more senior players like Ndidi, Moses Simon, and Alex Iwobi remain in the setup, Osimhen’s outspoken nature makes him the superior candidate for the role. Ighalo suggested that the striker’s current elite form provides him with the leverage to demand excellence from both his teammates and the Nigeria Football Federation.

Ighalo elaborated on the complexities of the captaincy, stating that the position requires a player who can withstand administrative pressure and motivate the group during difficult moments.

He contrasted the reserved personality of Wilfred Ndidi with the fiery and expressive leadership style of Osimhen, asserting that the latter’s presence would naturally command respect across the locker room. As the Super Eagles finalize their preparations in Morocco, the team hierarchy remains a central topic of discussion among fans and former players alike.

The post Odion Ighalo Supports Victor Osimhen for Super Eagles Captaincy Prior to AFCON 2025 appeared first on TV360 Nigeria.

The three-time African champions enter the tournament following a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Pharaohs of Egypt in their solitary warm-up match at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday evening. Despite the result, the team intends to use the remaining days in Fez to refine tactical structures and adapt to the Moroccan climate. The squad will utilize the Grand Stade de Fèz as their primary venue for all preliminary stage encounters throughout the month.

Nigeria initiates its quest for a fourth title next Tuesday against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania. The Super Eagles subsequently face a high-profile clash with Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27, before rounding off their Group C assignments against the Cranes of Uganda on December 30. Fans and analysts expect a high-intensity approach as the team seeks to improve upon their runner-up finish in the previous edition of the tournament.

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The updated ruling ensures that Super Eagles stars—including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey—among others expected at the Morocco-hosted tournament, will continue to be available for club duties deeper into the busy festive fixture period.

Previously, clubs faced the prospect of losing their African players as early as December 8, a scenario that prompted complaints from several European sides concerned about squad depth during the congested December schedule.

In a statement, FIFA explained that the adjustment followed “fruitful consultations” with key stakeholders, highlighting CAF’s cooperative approach, noting that the confederation “showed a spirit of solidarity” by agreeing to push the release date back by one week. FIFA further urged national associations and clubs to engage in “good faith bilateral discussions” to manage potential friction over player availability.

The change is a significant relief for Premier League and European clubs that field large African contingents. While teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United will still lose key African internationals, the shortened absence period mitigates the impact on club performance during the busiest phase of the season.

The post FIFA Extends Club Release Date for African Stars Ahead of 2025 AFCON, Easing European League Concerns appeared first on TV360 Nigeria.

Mbappé delivered a sensational four-goal performance in Real Madrid’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Olympiacos on Wednesday, propelling him to nine goals in the competition so far. This puts him three clear of Osimhen, who currently sits second with six goals.

The French forward, who previously had five goals before the Olympiacos clash, now also leads Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, both tied with five goals each.

Other notable scorers in the Champions League top scorers’ chart include Newcastle duo Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon, Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martínez, Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha, all with four goals apiece.

Mbappé’s scintillating form continues to underline his impact for Real Madrid, as he looks to maintain his scoring dominance in Europe’s elite club competition.

Current UEFA Champions League Top Scorers 2025/26:

• 9 goals – Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)

• 6 goals – Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

• 5 goals – Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

• 4 goals – Harvey Barnes (Newcastle), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Lautaro Martínez (Inter), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Vitinha (Paris)

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The three-time African champions delivered a commanding 4-1 victory against Gabon in their semi-final clash, with talismanic striker Victor Osimhen scoring twice during extra time to secure the win. Meanwhile, the Leopards of DR Congo edged past Cameroon with a late goal in a tightly contested 1-0 semi-final encounter.

The two sides are now set to meet in Rabat, Morocco, with the winner earning Africa’s spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

“Our next game against DR Congo will be difficult as they were able to defeat Cameroon, who are a big team,” Garba told Footy Africa. “It will be a physical game and the boys will have to be up for it. I like how the team is developing, and I think we will be able to beat them. The Super Eagles have got their confidence back, and I see them defeating DR Congo.”

The upcoming showdown promises to be a high-stakes encounter as Nigeria aims to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, reinforcing their ambition to return to the global stage after missing out on the last edition.

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