By Deji Komolafe - Deputy Editor-in-Chief
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday booked their trip to the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
A brace from star player Victor Osimhen as well as a goal each from Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman, sealed the fate of the Mozambicans, in a devastating display of ruthless attacking verve, by the Nigerians.
The victory was however overshadowed by a brief spat betweeen Osimhen and Lookman in the second half, with the Super Eagles pretty much out of sight, with a commanding lead.
Following the incident, there have been several takes from football fans and other commentators alike, on the issue, with some blaming Osimhen for the spat and others equally chiding Lookman for being selfish in the final third, on a few occasions.
Some sources have even quoted Osimhen with threats to leave the Nigerian camp and return back to his club in Turkey.
I seriously doubt that Osimhen threatened to quit the team, and adding to this was the rather crass retort from Rufai Oseni, the Arise TV commentator and uncouth purveyor of atavistic balderdash. The latter added fuel to the fire by saying Osimhen can leave and go back to Galatasaray. What utter drivel from the same person that once drove on the wrong side of the road, and when pulled over by law enforcement, verbally assaulted the officer, while touting his purported political connections and influence, as an implied threat to the officer.
There is no question Victor Osimhen did not handle this the right way, but apart from Lookman himself being at fault here (note that he has always had a penchant for being selfish at his club, Atalanta as well, much to the chagrin of his coaches and some teammates), people are blowing this way out of proportion.
The truth is that all teams have one impact player (regardless of how talented the team is) that sends shivers down the spines of the opposition.
Victor Osimhen is that for Nigeria and the rest of his teammates need to realize that.
No team is afraid of a Super Eagles team headlined by Akor Adams, Lookman or Paul Onuachu. On the contrary, once the opposition sees Osimhen’s name on that team list and see him in the hallway as the teams lineup before the game, that is where the game is won. Even the Mozambique players became peacemakers between Lookman and Osimhen during their brief spat. Does anyone think that would have happened if it was between Onuachu and Lookman?
Nigeria needs Osimhen. His teammates also need him as they are better and more intimidating with him on the pitch.
Victor will grow and become better from this. Lookman must also learn what his role is on the team. He is not there to outshine Osimhen, much like Batistuta never did with Maradona, or Rivaldo (or even Ronaldinho) never did with R9. Henry never did it with Zidane either. Lookman and the other players need to understand in no uncertain terms that they stand a better chance of winning laurels with Osimhen and must learn to put up with his shortcomings. Victor actually has more assists than Lookman and has always been a facilitator for his peers as well.
The team must block out the noise, stay focused and this is where and how Eric Chelle earns his money (assuming he is being paid of course by the criminal thugs at the NFF).
Keep soaring Super Eagles!
Posts
