Osimhen’s Antics Steal The Spotlight As Iwobi And Lookman Shine In Nigeria’s AFCON Rout

Nigeria are through to the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals after a commanding 4-0 demolition of Mozambique, but instead of universal praise, the night sparked conversation, controversy, and criticism in equal measure.

Goals from Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and a Victor Osimhen brace sealed qualification, yet it was Osimhen’s on-pitch behaviour — not his goals — that dominated post-match reactions.

Pulse Sports Nigeria Managing Editor, Joba Ogunwale, broke down the key talking points from a match that showcased Nigeria’s brilliance and its brewing internal tensions.

Alex Iwobi Finally Steps Out Of Jay-Jay Okocha’s Shadow

For nearly a decade, Alex Iwobi has played under an unfair microscope. Every touch, every pass, every quiet game has been judged against the legendary standards of his uncle, Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha.

At AFCON 2025, that narrative is finally being buried.

Against Mozambique, Iwobi didn’t just play well — he ran the game. Though he recorded no official assist, he was the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack, dictating tempo, breaking lines, and creating the platform for goals.

His perfectly weighted through ball launched the move that led to Ademola Lookman’s opener. Minutes later, he repeated the magic, releasing Lookman again to set up Osimhen’s first goal.

This was a complete midfield performance — calm, intelligent, and decisive. No, he may not dribble like Okocha, but Iwobi has earned his own respect, on his own terms.

Ademola Lookman Is Owning AFCON 2025

If AFCON 2023 announced Ademola Lookman, AFCON 2025 has crowned him.

Already matching his three-goal tally from the last tournament, Lookman has added creativity to his output, registering three assists — including two on the night against Mozambique.

While Osimhen grabs headlines, Lookman has quietly been Nigeria’s most consistent and complete performer: scoring, creating, pressing, and leading by example.

Star strikers finish chances. Tournament heroes control games. Lookman is doing both.

Osimhen’s Petulance Threatens Team Harmony

Victor Osimhen finally ended his AFCON scoring drought in emphatic fashion, netting twice and taking his tournament tally to three. On paper, it was a dream night.

In reality, it was troubling.

Osimhen repeatedly lashed out at teammates for perceived mistakes, most notably Bruno Onyemaechi, and later reacted aggressively toward Lookman — the same teammate who had just assisted him.

This wasn’t competitive fire. It was unnecessary, disrespectful, and dangerous for team unity. Nigeria were cruising. The moment required leadership, not tantrums.

Osimhen is a world-class striker, but football is not a solo sport. If unchecked, this attitude could derail Nigeria at the most critical stage of the tournament.

Eric Chelle Finally Finds Tactical Balance

Much criticism greeted Eric Chelle’s insistence on a rigid 4-4-2 system earlier in the tournament. The midfield often looked exposed and overrun.

Against Tunisia, the shift to a three-man midfield brought immediate control. Against Mozambique, it brought dominance — and Nigeria’s first clean sheet of AFCON 2025.

The adjustment gave Iwobi freedom, protected the defence, and allowed Nigeria to dictate matches instead of chasing them. Chelle deserves credit for learning quickly and adapting when it mattered.

Final Whistle

Nigeria look dangerous. Balanced. Confident.
But success at AFCON is about more than goals — it’s about unity, discipline, and leadership.

Iwobi has silenced doubters.
Lookman has owned the tournament.
Osimhen? He must grow up — fast.

The quarterfinals will not forgive distractions.

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