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Sunday Oliseh Blames Internal Discord for Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 Shortfall
Former Nigeria head coach Sunday Oliseh has attributed Nigeria’s failure to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to internal discord involving key players Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Super Eagles settled for a third-place finish after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties in the bronze medal match last Saturday, having earlier been knocked out by hosts Morocco in the semi-finals via a penalty shootout.
Reflecting on the Super Eagles’ campaign, Oliseh stressed that individual brilliance must never be allowed to undermine team unity, insisting that discipline and harmony remain crucial ingredients for success at the highest level.
“We need to address the toxicity that may have cost us the AFCON title,” Oliseh said. “Victor Osimhen is a world-class talent, but talent does not give anyone the license to destroy team chemistry.”
Oliseh pointed to Osimhen’s public criticism of Ademola Lookman during the tournament as a major turning point, suggesting it negatively affected the winger’s confidence and, by extension, the team’s attacking output.
“After that public outburst against Ademola Lookman — one of our brightest lights — Lookman became a shadow of himself and we lost our attacking edge,” he said. “When you publicly diminish a teammate, you break their spirit. That confidence is exactly what a team needs to survive a semi-final.”
According to the former Super Eagles captain, Nigeria needed all its key players operating at full capacity against a tactically disciplined Moroccan side, something he believes did not happen.
“Statistically, Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that incident,” Oliseh added. “You cannot expect a playmaker to perform miracles when he has been demoralised by his own teammate.”
Oliseh maintained that the fallout went beyond tactics and technical quality, ultimately costing Nigeria their psychological edge.
“We didn’t just lose a match; we lost the mental edge required to win the tournament,” he said.
He also expressed concern over what he described as a growing tolerance for indiscipline among fans and stakeholders.
“Scoring goals for Nigeria does not give anyone the right to disrespect teammates, coaches, or certified legends such as Finidi George and Victor Ikpeba,” Oliseh warned. “If we fail to fix discipline and administration, there may soon be no Super Eagles left to support.”
Nigeria were held to a 0–0 draw by Morocco in the semi-final before losing 4–2 on penalties, but bounced back to defeat Egypt and claim their ninth AFCON bronze medal.
