Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has ignited controversy by accusing Victor Osimhen of derailing Nigeria’s 2025 AFCON title challenge through what he describes as destructive behaviour.

Oliseh claims Osimhen’s public confrontation with Ademola Lookman shattered team unity at a decisive moment of the tournament.

Nigeria eventually settled for bronze after defeating Egypt in the third-place play-off, but Oliseh insists that outcome masked a deeper psychological collapse.

He traces the turning point to the Round-of-16 clash against Mozambique, a 4-0 win overshadowed by Osimhen angrily confronting Lookman on the pitch.

Though the incident was publicly downplayed by Lookman and head coach Eric Chelle, Oliseh argues it quietly poisoned the squad’s chemistry.

Statistics appear to support his argument, with Lookman’s remarkable early-tournament form vanishing immediately after the altercation.

The winger failed to register a goal or assist against Algeria, struggled again in the semi-final defeat to Morocco, and was benched for the third-place play-off as Nigeria laboured creatively.

For Oliseh, the pattern is undeniable.

He warned that unchecked star power can corrode team spirit, insisting that Osimhen’s status does not excuse public outbursts against teammates.

Oliseh further accused Nigerian football culture of tolerating indiscipline in the name of talent.

He cited Osimhen’s previous public criticism of former coach Finidi George as part of a worrying trend.

While acknowledging Osimhen’s goalscoring exploits, Oliseh stressed that respect and discipline are non-negotiable.

Osimhen remains Nigeria’s second-highest goalscorer, but Oliseh warned that unless behavioural standards are enforced, the Super Eagles risk long-term decline.