Former Chelsea and Ivory Coast forward Salomon Kalou has urged the Super Eagles to maintain focus and harmony after a tense on-field clash between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique.
The incident, which occurred in the 63rd minute of a 4–0 triumph, saw Osimhen visibly frustrated when Lookman opted to shoot rather than pass for a potential hat-trick. The Galatasaray striker’s reaction included an immediate request to be substituted, drawing boos from sections of the stadium as he left the pitch.
Kalou Defends Osimhen
Kalou, speaking to duelbits.com, insisted that disciplinary action was unnecessary, describing the media reaction as overblown.
“No, I don’t think punishment is necessary. I saw situations like that many times in my career. The media made it bigger than it was,” Kalou said.
He emphasized that the team’s unity and focus were far more important than internal disagreements.
“Nigeria need unity and focus, that’s their biggest challenge now. They’re playing well enough to win AFCON, but only if everyone stays together and keeps their eyes on the prize.”
Super Eagles Eye AFCON Glory
Nigeria has been the tournament’s standout team, winning all four of their matches in the group stage and Round of 16. Yet the stakes rise sharply as they travel to Marrakech to face Algeria in a high-profile quarter-final on Saturday, January 10.
Kalou believes that keeping Osimhen and Lookman on the same page is crucial if the Super Eagles are to realize their AFCON ambitions.
“They have the talent, they have the hunger, but they must stay united. That’s the key to bringing the trophy home,” he added.
With Nigeria aiming for AFCON 2025 glory, the message is clear: focus, cohesion, and a united squad will determine whether the Super Eagles can lift the trophy.
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