- Clarifies Adams’ Brief Absence From Eagles Camp
- Former Star Cautions Osimhen Over On-Pitch Behaviour
THE NIGERIA Football Federation (NFF) has moved to quell speculations surrounding the Super Eagles camp in Fez, Morocco, dismissing reports of player departures and confirming the resolution of an on-field incident between star players.
Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday, explicitly denied rumours that strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams had left the team’s AFCON 2025 base.
He clarified that Adams only briefly visited his parents, who reside near the team hotel, and returned within an hour to re-join the squad.
“Akor Adams did not leave camp permanently. He only stepped out briefly to see his parents who live a few minutes away,” Efoghe stated. “He returned in less than an hour and re-joined the team before lunchtime. He is fully with the squad.”
Efoghe also addressed widespread reports of a rift between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, stemming from a heated on-field exchange during Nigeria’s 4-0 Round of 16 victory over Mozambique on Monday.
The incident, which saw Osimhen visibly remonstrate with Lookman after a decision on the ball, had sparked social media debate.
“The primary reasons and aftermath of the on-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been nipped internally,” Efoghe said. “Kindly ignore all reports that suggest otherwise.”
This internal resolution was supported by Lanre Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, who is in Morocco with a Federal Government delegation. He defended Osimhen’s passion and stated Lookman had cleared the air.
“Victor Osimhen is a passionate Nigerian who gives his all for the green and white,” Onilu told NAN. “Lookman himself has made it clear that there was no disrespect. The matter was exaggerated, and both players remain united and focused on the national objective.”
However, the incident prompted cautionary advice from former Nigerian international, Dimeji Lawal.
While praising the team’s “world class” attack and strong tournament showing, Lawal warned Osimhen to manage his on-pitch demeanour.
“They must be careful [with] this ego of Osimhen… If he keeps picking fights with his teammates, before we know it, they won’t play for him any longer,” Lawal advised. “These are big players like Osimhen and he must be careful… If the team remain united and focused and stay out of these little scandals and controversies, they can win the AFCON.”
Amidst the focus on team harmony, the administrative and logistical preparations continue. Efoghe confirmed the team would travel from Fez to Marrakech on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Algeria.
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, and all 26 fit players participated in a recovery session at the Sardienne Complex, with injured defender Ryan Alebiosu continuing his rehabilitation.
The NOA also highlighted its role in mobilising support, distributing over 5,000 Nigerian flags in Fez to create a “home” atmosphere for the Eagles.
Onilu reiterated the significance of the continental prize, stating, “AFCON is not a consolation prize. It is Africa’s most prestigious football competition.”
