Voices calling for his ban say they still need him at a crucial time
Nigerian Football Fans’ Love-Hate Relationship With Victor Osimhen
Voices calling for Victor Osimhen’s ban from the Super Eagles are not new, but the call grew louder last week after an on-field outburst with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 match against Mozambique. Ironically, some of the same critics now admit that they need Osimhen to deliver a decisive win as Nigeria prepares to face Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The controversy erupted after cameras captured Osimhen angrily confronting Lookman on the pitch, an incident that quickly went viral and drew criticism from fans, pundits, and former internationals. While Nigeria secured the win, the episode overshadowed the result and reignited debates about discipline, leadership, and professionalism within the Super Eagles — especially at a time when unity is seen as critical to the team’s continental ambitions.
A Pattern of Controversy
Critics argue the Mozambique incident is not isolated. Osimhen, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards in recent years, has previously courted backlash for publicly criticising and insulting Nigerian football legends, comments many viewed as disrespectful and unbecoming of a national team figurehead.
Former players and football administrators have weighed in, warning that unchecked indiscipline could erode team cohesion and damage the Super Eagles’ image.
“Talent does not place anyone above the institution,” said former international Emmanuel Amuneke. “The Super Eagles jersey must always come before individual ego. Young players must respect those who paved the way and the fans who support them.”
Beyond public statements, some analysts argue that Osimhen’s confrontations with teammates can create tactical and psychological challenges on the pitch. A divided locker room, they warn, could compromise teamwork in high-stakes matches such as the upcoming semi-final against Morocco.
Divided Opinions Among Fans
Supporters of the Napoli striker, however, insist that calls for a ban are excessive. They argue Osimhen’s passion and intensity are often misinterpreted, pointing out that elite footballers frequently clash during the heat of competition. Many fans highlight his consistent scoring record and his crucial contributions to Nigeria’s recent successes as reasons the team cannot afford to sideline him.
“Yes, he loses his temper sometimes, but Osimhen is a game-changer,” said Chinedu Nwafor, a Lagos-based Super Eagles fan. “If we are serious about beating Morocco and reaching the final, we need him on the pitch, not sitting in the stands because of a moment of anger.”
Social media is awash with debate, with hashtags alternating between calls for discipline and appeals for leniency. Fan forums reflect a spectrum of opinions, from those urging the NFF to “teach him a lesson” to others insisting the team’s survival in the tournament depends on keeping him in the squad.
Tactical Importance in the Morocco Semi-Final
From a tactical perspective, Osimhen’s presence is difficult to replace. The 25-year-old striker is Nigeria’s top scorer at the tournament and has consistently been a threat in the opposition’s penalty area. Coaches argue that his pace, aerial ability, and finishing make him indispensable against a Morocco side known for its disciplined defence and quick counter-attacks.
“Morocco will not be easy,” said football analyst Segun Olatunji. “Osimhen offers something that no other forward in the squad can — he can stretch the defence, create space, and finish clinically. Losing him would significantly reduce Nigeria’s attacking threat.”
The stakes could not be higher. A win against Morocco would place Nigeria in the AFCON final, potentially ending a multi-decade title drought. For many fans, Osimhen embodies both the promise and risk of that success: capable of brilliance, but sometimes unpredictable under pressure.
NFF Yet to Act
As of now, the Nigeria Football Federation has not issued an official statement on the incident or the growing calls for disciplinary action. Whether internal sanctions, mediation, or formal punishment will be imposed remains unclear.
This uncertainty has left players, fans, and analysts speculating about how the NFF intends to handle one of the nation’s most high-profile athletes at a decisive moment in the tournament. Some fear that a public sanction could disrupt team morale, while others insist that discipline must be enforced to maintain respect and accountability in the squad.
The Bigger Picture: Discipline vs. Talent
The Osimhen saga highlights a broader debate about player conduct, leadership standards, and accountability in Nigerian football. Can the team reconcile the fiery temperament of a superstar with the collective discipline required for international success? Or will star power take precedence over team cohesion?
This tension is especially relevant in a tournament where every match can be decided by a single moment. For Nigeria, the semi-final against Morocco is not just a test of skill, but also of mental resilience and team unity. How the coaching staff and NFF navigate these dynamics could define the team’s performance in the final — or end its campaign prematurely.
Fans’ Love-Hate Relationship
Osimhen represents a classic love-hate figure for Nigerian football supporters. His goals have sparked joy and national pride, yet his emotional outbursts and confrontations have frustrated fans who fear they could cost the team crucial points.
“I love Osimhen when he scores,” said Aisha Bello, a fan from Abuja. “But sometimes I want to shake him! Still, we need him for Morocco. This is not the time to be banning him — we need every weapon we have to win.”
Others are more cautious, emphasizing that discipline and team harmony cannot be compromised, even for a generational talent.
Looking Ahead
As the AFCON semi-final approaches, all eyes are on Osimhen and the NFF. Can the striker set aside his differences, channel his energy positively, and lead Nigeria to victory? Or will past controversies continue to cast a shadow over the team’s ambitions?
The answers will unfold on Wednesday, when the Super Eagles face Morocco. For now, the debate — and the love-hate relationship between fans and their star striker — continues to dominate conversations across Nigeria.
