Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has blamed Nigeria’s failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on what he described as indiscipline by star striker Victor Osimhen.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Oliseh argued that Osimhen’s public confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4–0 Round of 16 win over Mozambique damaged the team’s unity at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Osimhen was seen rebuking Lookman on the pitch for not releasing the ball during an attacking move, an incident that drew criticism from fans who described the striker’s conduct as unprofessional.
Oliseh said the incident affected the squad beyond the Mozambique match, claiming Lookman’s performance dipped afterwards and Nigeria’s attacking strength weakened in the semifinal.
“Let’s look at the toxicity that might have cost us the AFCON title,” Oliseh said. “We are confusing talent with licence. Victor Osimhen is world-class, but talent is not a license to destroy team chemistry.”
He added that Lookman had been one of Nigeria’s most dangerous players in the tournament until the public outburst, which he said “broke his focus.”
Oliseh argued that Nigeria lost “the psychological edge needed to win” against Morocco, describing the North African side as disciplined and focused.
The former midfielder also criticised a growing fan culture that he believes now tolerates such behaviour from players.
Oliseh extended his critique to include Osimhen’s earlier public comments attacking former Super Eagles coach Finidi George. While acknowledging Osimhen’s value, he stressed that no player is bigger than the national team.
“Scoring goals for Nigeria doesn’t give you a licence to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba,” Oliseh said. “If goals alone justified arrogance, what should the legends who put Nigeria at the pinnacle of world football do? Walk on people’s heads?”
He warned that continued indiscipline and poor administration could harm the future of the Super Eagles.
Oliseh also criticised the celebrations following Nigeria’s third-place finish after beating Egypt on penalties, saying the reaction reflected a “culture of mediocrity.”
“There was a time the Super Eagles shed tears at second place, because to us anything but the trophy was a failure; celebrating third place built a culture of mediocrity,” he said.