AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman Sends Reassuring Message to Victor Osimhen After Heated On-Field Exchange Against Mozambique

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has addressed teammate Victor Osimhen following a tense on-field exchange during Nigeria’s 4-0 Round of 16 AFCON 2025 win over Mozambique. Lookman, who scored and assisted multiple times, emphasized unity in a post on Instagram, writing, “TOGETHER ALWAYS .” The confrontation occurred after Osimhen expressed frustration over a lost possession, but coach Eric Chelle downplayed concerns, stating there was no need to publicly discuss internal team matters. Fans and football stars have reacted to Lookman’s message, with many backing the team’s cohesion ahead of the quarterfinals.

#AFCON2025 #SuperEagles #AdemolaLookman #VictorOsimhen #NigeriaFootball #TeamSpirit #MozambiqueVsNigeria #FootballNews

Nigeria Misses 2026 World Cup, Osimhen’s €75m Galatasaray Move, Super Falcons’ WAFCON Glory and Other Major Nigerian Football Moments That Defined 2025

Nigerian football in 2025 was a year of sharp contrasts, marked by historic disappointments, landmark achievements and defining off-the-pitch controversies. As the year came to an end, fans reflected on moments that reshaped the nation’s football narrative, with the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup standing out as the most painful low point. After a two-year qualification campaign, Nigeria’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to DR Congo in the African playoffs, leaving millions of supporters heartbroken.

Despite the World Cup setback, the year also delivered significant positives. The Super Falcons reaffirmed their dominance in African women’s football by winning a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, defeating hosts Morocco in the final and earning national acclaim and financial rewards from the federal government.

At club level, Remo Stars made history by winning their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, a milestone achievement celebrated across the domestic football scene. Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen’s career took another major turn as the Super Eagles striker completed a record-breaking €75 million permanent transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, choosing loyalty and stability over lucrative moves elsewhere.

The year also saw notable changes in leadership and personnel. Eric Sekou Chelle became the Super Eagles’ head coach, making history as the first non-Nigerian African to manage the national team. Veteran players William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa retired from international football, closing important chapters in Nigeria’s football history.

However, controversies lingered, including protests by Super Eagles players over unpaid allowances and renewed scrutiny of the Nigeria Football Federation over alleged financial mismanagement.

Overall, 2025 will be remembered as a turbulent but transformative year for Nigerian football — one defined by World Cup heartbreak, individual brilliance, domestic success, and renewed hopes of redemption at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The reason Victor Osimhen was booked against Tunisia at the AFCON has emerged after the Super Eagles striker ended his seven-game goal drought.

Galatasaray Congratulates Victor Osimhen After First AFCON 2025 Goal Against Tunisia

Victor Osimhen opened his goal account at AFCON 2025, scoring a brilliant header and providing an assist in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia, helping the Super Eagles secure a spot in the Round of 16. His club, Galatasaray, praised his performance on social media, highlighting his decisive contributions. Osimhen had previously faced frustration with two goals ruled out for offside, making this breakthrough a significant moment. CAF also recognized his goal as the best of match-day six. Nigeria now prepares to face Uganda in their final group game on December 30, with Osimhen in fine form.

Jose Mourinho Reveals Key Strategy for Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025 as Super Eagles Start Strong

Former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho believes Nigeria has the talent, speed, and confidence to win AFCON 2025 in Morocco, emphasizing that unity and focus are crucial under tournament pressure. The Super Eagles began their Group C campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania, and striker Victor Osimhen urges the team to focus on the present and learn from past disappointments. With head coach Eric Chelle leading the squad, Nigeria aims to secure its fourth AFCON title by playing as a cohesive unit rather than relying on individual brilliance.

Ghanaian Influencer Begs FIFA to Let Victor Osimhen Play for Black Stars at 2026 World Cup

A Ghanaian content creator, Wode Maya, has sparked lively online reactions after jokingly pleading with Victor Osimhen to switch from Nigeria’s Super Eagles to Ghana’s Black Stars for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The call came after Osimhen scored a stunning brace for Galatasaray. While fans from both nations reacted with amusement and rivalry, Osimhen remains committed to Nigeria despite missing two World Cup qualifications.

Galatasaray Fans Troll Vincent Aboubakar After Osimhen Answers Criticism With Stunning Brace

Galatasaray fans have taken over Vincent Aboubakar’s Instagram page after Victor Osimhen delivered a brilliant brace—including a 93rd-minute overhead-kick winner—in the club’s 3-2 victory over Samsunspor. The online backlash followed Aboubakar’s earlier remarks claiming Osimhen “only has goals” and insisting Mauro Icardi and Tammy Abraham are better all-round strikers.

Osimhen responded on the pitch, scoring twice to secure three points for Galatasaray and immediately triggering a wave of reactions from supporters who accused Aboubakar of disrespect. Fans mocked the Cameroonian striker with memes, laughing emojis, and comments reminding him of his recent omission from Cameroon’s AFCON 2025 squad.

Osimhen, now one of the most influential players in Turkey, has reached 11 goals this season and is also the second-highest scorer in the UEFA Champions League behind Kylian Mbappé. He was recently announced as the most-searched football personality in Turkey for 2025.

Osimhen Pays Emotional Tribute as Troost-Ekong Announces Shock Retirement Before AFCON 2025

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has penned an emotional message to William Troost-Ekong, following the captain’s unexpected retirement from international football just weeks before AFCON 2025. Ekong, who served the national team for ten years and made 83 appearances, announced his exit shortly after leading a protest over unpaid wages during the World Cup play-offs.
Osimhen praised Ekong’s leadership, humility, and impact on the team, describing him as a “legend forever.” Ekong’s retirement has sparked strong reactions from fans, CAF, and the wider football community, many of whom are shocked by its timing ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco.

Nigeria Thrash Gabon 4–1 in World Cup Play-off Showdown.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, defeating Gabon 4–1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off clash.

The match, played at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria assert control early and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in extra time, booking their place in the next stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria broke the deadlock through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive error to put the Eagles ahead early in the second half. Gabon responded with a late equaliser just four minutes from time, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, Chidera Ejuke calmly restored Nigeria’s lead before Osimhen added two more goals to seal a resounding victory. The Super Eagles’ defence, marshalled by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, held firm to deny Gabon any comeback.

The result edges Nigeria closer to a World Cup spot, following their dominant 4-0 triumph over Benin Republic in the group stages, during which Osimhen scored a hat-trick. Gabon, finishing second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, also advanced to the playoff round.

With this victory, Nigeria move to the top of their qualification group, strengthening their chances of booking a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria strengthened their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Boniface, Osimhen, Messi, and others to become football’s first billionaire after mega Al-Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, with his net worth now estimated at a staggering £1.04 billion, according to financial analysts at Bloomberg.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward reached the milestone after his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments were evaluated and adjusted for tax rates and market performance. Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia has “catapulted him to the top of the global sports rich list,” making him the first footballer to appear on their Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s wealth now far surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.

A major contributor to Ronaldo’s fortune is his lifetime partnership with Nike, valued at around £745 million, alongside other endorsements with global brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton.

The Portuguese superstar is also investing heavily in luxury real estate, including a £28 million mansion complex in his home country. He is often seen flaunting high-end jewellery and watches, among them a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon worth £1.13 million.

At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns a jaw-dropping £167.9 million per year — roughly £300 per minute,though he recently confessed he’d prefer to play solely for Portugal. In addition to his record-breaking contract, Ronaldo reportedly holds a stake in Al-Nassr, further boosting his immense fortune.

Nigerian Goal Machine Osimhen Reaches Historic 10 UCL Goals, Turning Up the Heat on Messi, Ronaldo and others.

PSG Forward, Ousmane Dembélé, Leapfrogs Osimhen, Boniface and Others to Win the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé has been named the winner of the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or.

PSG’s domestic dominance and Champions League triumph made them frontrunners for the award, with teammates Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha also in contention. However, Dembélé emerged as the standout, edging Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the voting.

At 28, Dembélé delivered the finest season of his career in 2024/25. Initially deployed on the right wing, he was later converted into a striker by manager Luis Enrique—a tactical switch that transformed PSG’s attack.

In Ligue 1, he registered 21 goals & 8 assists in 29 matches, finishing as joint-top scorer & earning a place in the Team of the Year. But it was his Champions League heroics that sealed his Ballon d’Or case, as he netted eight times, including crucial strikes against heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool & Arsenal.

UPDATED: Ekong Dropped As Osimhen, Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Attack Vs Rwanda

Captain William Troost-Ekong has been benched as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearhead Nigeria’s attack in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Coach Eric Chelle handed a start to 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick, who will partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. Wilfred Ndidi takes the armband, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka completing the midfield trio.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot in goal, while Moses Simon joins Osimhen and Lookman upfront. Nigeria, with just seven points from six matches, must win to keep alive their slim qualification hopes.

Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Rwanda:
Nwabali; Ola Aina, Bassey, Frederick, Onyemaechi; Ndidi (C), Iwobi, Onyeka; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

#SuperEagles #WorldCupQualifiers #NGARWA

Top European Clubs Snubbed Osimhen Over Character Concerns — Ex-England Footballer, Gary Linekar.

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has revealed that several top European clubs backed out of signing Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen due to concerns about his character.

Before sealing a four-year move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a deal reportedly worth €75 million, Osimhen had attracted serious interest from elite clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal.

However, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker suggested that behind-the-scenes concerns may have influenced those clubs’ decisions.

“I watched Osimhen a couple of times when Napoli played Leicester in the Europa League, and he really stood out,” Lineker said. “He was absolutely brilliant for Napoli—sensational.”

Despite praising his talent and performance, Lineker disclosed that certain off-field issues may have raised red flags. “I’ve heard whispers that he sometimes goes missing for a few days, which has led to some questions about his character,” he added.

Lineker’s comments shed light on why some of Europe’s top clubs may have hesitated despite Osimhen’s outstanding form in Serie A.

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ —Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wr+tchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wretchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”

Osimhen Set to Return to Napoli but Reportedly Banished from the First Team to Join Youth Team.

Victor Osimhen has been instructed to report to Napoli for pre-season training following the conclusion of his loan at Galatasaray, where he enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 37 goals and assisting six to help the Turkish giants secure a league and cup double.

Despite speculation over his future, the Nigerian striker is expected at Napoli’s training camp on July 14–15 unless a transfer materialises before then. So far, only Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia has met his €75 million release clause, but Osimhen reportedly declined their offer, casting doubt on a summer move.

Napoli will begin their pre-season with medicals before heading to Dimaro, Trentino-Alto Adige for training from July 17–27.

They will then continue preparations in Castel di Sangro from July 30 to August 14 after a two-day break. However, new head coach Antonio Conte has made it clear that Osimhen is not part of his plans for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old will train separately from the main squad and will not participate in any tactical or technical sessions. Instead, he will maintain his fitness by working with the club’s youth team — a situation reminiscent of last season when he was sent home from camp amid transfer uncertainty.

I used to fetch water for people for ₦80 and wash gutters with spirogyra for ₦30 – Footballer Victor Osimhen recounts his humble beginnings.

Footballer Victor Osimhen rejects €75m offer from Saudi Arabia club, Al Hilal.