Media personality Pere Egbi has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the on-pitch disagreement between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, calling for restraint and urging fans to stop demanding Osimhen’s removal from the team.
The incident occurred on Monday during Nigeria’s knockout match against Mozambique, despite Lookman having provided the assists for Osimhen’s two goals earlier in the game.
Video footage of the encounter showed Osimhen charging towards Lookman, who remained composed throughout the exchange.
Reacting to the backlash, Egbi stressed that the Super Eagles could not afford to lose Osimhen, describing the Napoli striker as a crucial asset to the national team.
He also criticised those calling for sanctions, questioning their understanding of football and underscoring Osimhen’s value to Nigeria’s campaign.
Egbi warned that failure to resolve the disagreement could undermine the team’s cohesion and negatively affect Nigeria’s chances of winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Egbi wrote on X: “Are people so clueless to actually demand that Osimhen be dropped? Really???? Come on. That’s a reach! Dem drop am now, una get im replacement anywhere????? Wf!!! Na we wan use our hand commot ourself from this AFCON. Imagine players reading these bants online.”
He also addressed rumors about Osimhen’s supposed “bad attitude” being the reason Chelsea didn’t sign him, dismissing the claims as baseless and pointing out that Osimhen had turned down Chelsea in the past.
“Lol, so Chelsea came for him and he turned them down, but world people are out here saying the guy’s attitude is bad that’s why no club wants him. Una do well o, Nigerians. Una go soon vex these boys, dem go start to play rubbish now, and then everybody go rest”, he added.
Media personality Tacha has defended Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen following his on-pitch confrontation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.
The incident occurred during the match despite Lookman having assisted one of Osimhen’s goals earlier in the game.
Video footage showed Osimhen charging toward Lookman, while the latter maintained his composure throughout the exchange.
Reacting via X platform, Tacha stated that Nigerians are targeting Osimhen because “they have seen Osimhen finish”.
She compared Osimhen to Cristiano Ronaldo, questioning whether critics would apply the same standard to the football legend if he displayed similar behavior.
Tacha said: “Nigerians and see finish!! Y’all realize Victor Osimhen is our own Christiano Ronaldo??
“If Ronaldo did same thing we won’t have this much uproar but of course it’s Osimhen na.. make coach just Bench Osimhen for the next match i WON Check something. Baba was on to a hat-trick! you expect him not to shout!? make una dey calm down! most of orna no just like am plain and simple. SAME passion is the reason he’s one of the best attacker in world!! So Abeg shift”.
The Super Eagles delivered a commanding performance to secure a 4-0 victory over Mozambique, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria were rampant from start to finish, asserting their dominance with pace, precision and ruthless finishing.
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a well-taken effort to set the tone, before Victor Osimhen struck twice to put the contest beyond Mozambique’s reach. A late goal from Adams capped a flawless display by the Eagles.
The result underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and attacking depth as they continue their quest for continental glory, shutting out Mozambique with a disciplined defensive display and relentless pressure going forward.
The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo as they prepare for a crucial quarterfinal showdown.
After a flawless group-stage campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Super Eagles will look to sustain their momentum when they face Mozambique in Monday’s Round of 16 clash in Fes.
The Super Eagles go into the tie as favourites, having won all three group matches, but the Mambas have already demonstrated they can trouble more established opposition.
A win over Gabon, along with spirited performances in defeats to hosts Ivory Coast and Cameroon, highlighted Mozambique’s ability to compete with Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
Nigeria, African champions for the last time in 2013, will take confidence from their strong start to the tournament and what appears to be a favourable last-16 draw. With belief firm in Éric Sékou Chelle’s camp, the Super Eagles are targeting another decisive step toward ending their long wait for continental glory.
Midfielders Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman have been among Nigeria’s standout performers so far, providing creativity and drive. However, defensive concerns linger, and Mozambique is expected to exploit any weaknesses through Geny Catamo of Sporting CP.
Catamo has been one of Mozambique’s key attacking threats, converting a penalty in their 3-2 win over Gabon before scoring a fine goal in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.
The winner of Monday’s encounter will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Algeria or the Democratic Republic of Congo. A potential meeting with DR Congo would revive memories of the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff final, where Nigeria suffered a painful defeat.
Match Details:
Date: Monday, January 5
Kick-off: 20:00 WAT (21:00 CAT, 20:00 local time, 19:00 GMT)
Venue: Fez Stadium
How to watch: Live on SuperSport in Nigeria and South Africa
Following an impressive group stage campaign that saw Nigeria secure maximum points, the Super Eagles have demonstrated quality, discipline and a strong winning mentality en route the decisive knockout phase.
Ahead of today’s encounter, ANFASSC has commended the players, technical crew and support staff for their commitment, unity and professionalism so far. Their performances have lifted the spirits of Nigerians everywhere and reaffirmed the belief in the team’s ability to compete at the highest level. As the Round of 16 approaches, ANFASSC encourages the Super Eagles to remain grounded, hungry and fully focused on the task ahead.
“Our members on the ground in Morocco are fully mobilised, organised, and ready to provide responsible, vibrant, and unwavering support from the stands. Across Nigeria and around the world, supporters continue to stand firmly behind the team with prayers, encouragement and national pride. This collective backing remains a powerful source of motivation for the players as they take to the pitch,” the club said.“As a supporters’ club committed to unity, positivity and the promotion of Nigerian sports, ANFASSC reaffirms its total support for the Super Eagles.
“We believe in the team’s strength, character and determination; and we remain confident as Nigeria steps into this important stage of the tournament.”
The Africa Cup of Nations moves into its knockout phase this weekend, signalling a clear shift from calculated group-stage management to outright survival as the Round of 16 begins across Morocco.
After two weeks of fluctuating forms, Nigeria enter the knockout rounds among the tournament’s most convincing performers, completing the group stage with a perfect record. The Super Eagles scored freely, rotated their squad effectively and secured qualification with a game to spare. However, a late scare in their 3–2 victory over Tunisia served as a reminder of the fine margins that now define the competition.
Algeria also advance with maximum points, showing a level of control absent in recent editions, while Egypt once again relied on structure and efficiency to progress. In contrast, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and perennial contenders Cameroon qualified without the same assurance, both dropping points and facing renewed scrutiny ahead of the last-16 ties.
The group stage also reshaped expectations beyond the traditional favourites. Benin recorded their first-ever AFCON win to reach the knockouts, while Mozambique secured a historic Round of 16 place after a dramatic comeback victory over Gabon. Sudan’s progression from a challenging group further highlighted the depth and unpredictability of the tournament.
Those storylines now converge in the Round of 16, where established contenders meet opponents carrying confidence and little to lose. Nigeria face Mozambique, Algeria take on DR Congo, and Egypt meet Benin, while heavyweight pairings such as South Africa versus Cameroon and Ivory Coast against Burkina Faso add further edge to the schedule.
With the tournament now reduced to single-elimination football, early momentum matters less than decision-making under pressure, squad depth and in-game discipline. For teams that dominated the group stage, the challenge is sustaining intensity. For those who scraped through, the opportunity is reinvention.
All AFCON Round of 16 matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport via the dedicated AFCON channel on DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59, with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.
As AFCON enters its most unforgiving phase, strong beginnings fade into memory. From here on, every mistake carries consequence, and every moment can define a tournament.
The NFF has agreed to pay the players $30,000 each for reaching the Round of 16 in the competition.
Eric Chelle’s men will earn additional bonus should they beat Mozambique in their next game.
They will face the Mambas at the Complexe Sportif de Fès next week Monday. Should they progress, the Super Eagles will face either Algeria or Democratic Republic of Congo in the quarter-finals.
A star-studded cast led by Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen switch to knockout fare from tomorrow , when the Africa Cup of Nations resumes in Morocco.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Hakimi was crowned 2025 African player of the year in November. Liverpool attacker Salah and Galatasaray striker Osimhen were the runners-up.
After 36 matches spread across six groups, the 16 survivors from 24 hopefuls clash in eight second-round matches over four days.
Fit-again Hakimi is set to lead title favourites Morocco against Tanzania, Salah will captain Egypt against Benin and Osimhen-inspired Nigeria tackle Mozambique.
AFP Sport looks at the match-ups that will determine which nations advance to the quarter-finals, and move one step closer to a record $10 million (8.5 million euros) first prize.
Senegal vs. Sudan: Veteran Sadio Mane and Paris Saint-Germain’s 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, in two appearances off the bench, have been amongst the stars as 2022 champions Senegal confirmed why they are amongst the favourites by winning Group D. Sudan, representing a country ravaged by civil war since 2023, reached the second round despite their players failing to score. Their only Group F win, against Equatorial Guinea, came via an own goal.
Mali vs. Tunisia: “If we carry on playing like this we will not go much further,” warned Belgium-born Mali coach Tom Saintfiet after three Group A draws, although his team did well to hold Morocco. Tunisia were woeful against Nigeria until they trailed by three goals. The Carthage Eagles then scored twice and came close to equalising.
Morocco vs. Tanzania: A mismatch on paper as Morocco, whose only previous title came 50 years ago, are 101 places above Tanzania in the world rankings. The east Africans ended a 45-year wait to get past the first round thanks to two draws. Morocco boast a potent strike force of Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid and Ayoub El Kaabi of Olympiacos. They have scored three goals each to share the Golden Boot lead with Algerian Riyad Mahrez.
South Africa vs. Cameroon: South Africa debuted in the AFCON 30 years ago by hammering Cameroon 3-0 in Johannesburg. It should be much closer when they meet a second time with only four places separating them in the world rankings. In pursuit of goals, South Africa will look to Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster while 19-year-old Christian Kofane struck a stunning match-winner for Cameroon against Mozambique.
Egypt vs. Benin: Struggling to score for Liverpool this season, Salah has regained his appetite for goals in southern Morocco. He claimed match-winners against Zimbabwe and South Africa as Egypt won Group B. Benin celebrated their first AFCON win 25 years after debuting by edging Botswana. The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.
Nigeria vs. Mozambique: Livewire Osimhen is a huge aerial threat and could have scored hat-tricks against Tanzania and Tunisia in Group C, but managed just one goal. Fellow former African player of the year Ademola Lookman has also impressed. Mozambique lost 3-0 in their previous AFCON meeting with the Super Eagles 16 years ago. It is likely to be tighter this time with striker Geny Catamo posing a threat for the Mambas (snakes).
Algeria vs. DR Congo: The clash of two former champions is potentially the match of the round. It is the only tie involving two European coaches – Bosnian Vladimir Petkovic and Frenchman Sebastien Desabre. Algeria and Nigeria were the only teams to win all three group matches. Former Manchester City winger Mahrez has been an inspirational captain while scoring three times.
Cote d’Ivoire vs. Burkina Faso: This is the only match featuring nations from the same region. Burkina Faso and defending champions Cote d’Ivoire share a border in west Africa. Manchester United winger Amad Diallo was the only winner of two player-of-the-match awards in the group stage. The Ivorian now faces impressive Burkinabe defenders Edmond Tapsoba and Issoufou Dayo.
Renown football stakeholder and Remo Stars’ owner, Mr. Kunle Soname, has voiced serious concerns over poor officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing it as a systemic failure that continues to undermine the credibility and integrity of Nigerian football at both continental and global space.
Speaking yesterday at his Remo Stars facilities in Ikenne, Ogun State, Soname said he was addressing the issue as a stakeholder rather than a club owner, warning that the persistent refereeing problems pose a major threat to the growth and future of Nigerian football if left unresolved.
“I am not here today as the owner of a club but as a stakeholder deeply interested in the credibility and future of our game,” Soname said. “Nigerian football is bigger than all of us. But because we love it, we must have the courage to speak when something is fundamentally wrong.”
At the centre of his criticism is the prolonged absence of Nigerian referees from major continental competitions. According to Soname, no Nigerian referee has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) in the last 17 years, a situation he described as both embarrassing and revealing.
“For 17 years, not a single Nigerian referee has been selected for AFCON, while officials from smaller footballing nations continue to get these opportunities,” he said. “The uncomfortable truth is clear: the standard of officiating in our domestic league is fundamentally compromised.”
Soname argued that questionable decisions in the NPFL go beyond human error and have become a recurring pattern that erodes trust in the league. He cited several video-documented incidents to support his claims, insisting the problem is widespread and not targeted at any single club.
“This is not about isolated mistakes,” he said. “It is a pattern that threatens the integrity of the NPFL.”
Among the examples he referenced were two clear penalties denied in a single match involving Remo Stars, as well as a foul on a Remo Stars player that was ignored and directly resulted in a goal for the opposition. He also cited a controversial decision in a match between Rangers International and Rivers United, where a legitimate Rangers goal was wrongly disallowed.
“I deliberately mention Rangers and Rivers United to show that this issue is league-wide, not club-specific,” Soname explained. “These are not 50-50 calls. They are blatant errors, captured on video, that directly change match outcomes.”
Soname further accused the Referees’ Appointment Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of failing in its oversight responsibilities, alleging that the body has instead become complicit in sustaining the crisis.
“The committee has a duty to sanction poor performances and reward excellence,” he said. “But the evidence suggests it is enabling this problem rather than solving it.”
He referenced a specific incident involving Insurance FC of Benin, where a clear foul in the penalty area went unpunished. According to Soname, the committee’s explanation for the decision raised further concerns.
“The justification given was that ‘the attacker was in a hot chase and that no offence was committed’, that explanation does not withstand scrutiny.”
Soname further questioned the circumstances surrounding the match, noting that the officiating team was changed just two days before kickoff and that the committee chairperson, Mrs Faith Irabor, had previously served as a director at the Edo State Sports Commission.
“When officiating teams are changed at the last minute and the committee vigorously defends indefensible decisions, serious questions must be asked,” he said.
In another instance, Soname said the committee cited the absence of a pre-season seminar to excuse a clearly incorrect decision, describing the explanation as an admission of deeper structural failure.
“That is not an excuse,” he said. “It is an acknowledgement that the system itself is broken.”
According to Soname, the failure to hold referees accountable for repeated poor performances has emboldened incompetence and damaged the league’s credibility.
“By providing implausible cover for clear errors, the committee is aiding and abetting the disease destroying our football’s integrity,” he said.
He challenged the NFF and league administrators to confront key questions surrounding referee training, assessment and accountability, warning that football cannot thrive without fairness.
“Players train, clubs invest, and fans believe on the assumption that matches are decided by skill, not by error or bias,” Soname said.
As part of the solution, Soname called for urgent reforms, including the establishment of an independent review committee to assess officiating performances weekly.
“A committee should be set up by the NFF to review all 10 NPFL matches every week,” he said. “There should be a Best Referee of the Week, while bad or corrupt officials must be punished.”
He also demanded a complete overhaul of the Referees’ Appointment Committee, insisting that Nigerian football can only progress with transparent, competent and integrity-driven officiating structures.
“There is an urgent and non-negotiable need for a total overhaul of the Referees’ Appointment Committee,” Soname said. “Nigerian football deserves better. Our players deserve fairness, our fans deserve honesty, and our league deserves integrity.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun preliminary discussions on the hosting rights for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), signalling a possible shift in how host nations are selected.
According to BSNSports, a high-ranking CAF source disclosed that the issue will be a key item on the agenda of the CAF Executive Committee meeting scheduled for mid-next month.
The discussions come in the wake of changes to AFCON scheduling and the cancellation of bid processes for the 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035 editions.
According to information from within CAF, members of the Executive Committee are backing a proposal to invite bids for three consecutive AFCON tournaments beginning with 2028 and extending through 2036 rather than selecting hosts on a single-edition basis.
Amid speculation that Morocco could be awarded a future edition, a prominent member of the CAF Executive Office shared his personal view, stressing the need for fairness in the geographical distribution of hosting rights. He argued that CAF should consider regions outside North and East Africa for upcoming tournaments.
The source noted that North Africa hosted AFCON 2019 in Egypt and will host the 2025 edition in Morocco, while East Africa is set to stage the 2027 tournament in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. West Africa, through Cote d’Ivoire and Central Africa, through Cameroon, hosted the 2021 and 2023 editions respectively.
Based on this rotation, the source suggested that Southern Africa deserves consideration to host the 2028 AFCON, provided national federations from the region submit formal bids.
