Chidozie Awaziem Downplays On-Field Incident, Insists Super Eagles Remain United

Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has played down concerns surrounding a brief on-field incident during Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday, stressing that the moment was simply a reflection of competitive passion rather than any internal problem.

Speaking in the mixed zone after the round-of-16 clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Awaziem dismissed suggestions of tension within the squad and reassured fans that unity remains strong in the Nigerian camp.

Addressing the incident involving Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Wilfred Ndidi, the defender explained that such moments are normal in high-level football.

“All I can say is that it’s a football thing, you know, everyone wants to win,” Awaziem said.

“If Victor wants to win, Victor’s a fighter. Ademola is a fighter. Ndidi is a fighter. Everyone is a fighter. Akor, I mean, everyone wants the ball to score.”

He emphasized that the disagreement was minor and driven solely by the players’ shared desire to succeed.

Awaziem further reassured supporters that the situation had been resolved almost immediately.

“Everyone wants to win at any time. So I think it’s just a football thing. And now the issue has been solved. Everyone is cool.”

The defender went on to underline the harmony within the squad, insisting there are no lingering issues as the team prepares for the next stage of the tournament.

“Victor is cool. Ademola is cool. Ndidi is cool. Everyone is good. So we just focus on the next game now. We don’t have no issues with us.”

Nigeria dominated proceedings against Mozambique, with Ademola Lookman opening the scoring in the 20th minute, Victor Osimhen netting a brace, and Akor Adams adding a late fourth goal. The performance combined attacking fluency with defensive solidity, earning the Super Eagles their first clean sheet of AFCON 2025.

With the comprehensive win secured, Nigeria has booked their place in the quarter-finals and will now await the outcome of the clash between Algeria and DR Congo, confident and united as they continue their pursuit of continental glory.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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