AFCON 2025: Lawal calls for caution over Osimhen’s overbearing attitude

A former Nigerian International winger, Dimeji Lawal has called for caution over the Galatasaray FC of Turkeye striker Victor Osimhen’s overbearing attitude in the Super Eagles camp.

Lawal in an interview with newsmen said that though the quality of Osimhen was never in doubt, yet the former African Footballer of the Year must exercise control.

Recall that Osimhen had a on-field outburst with fellow colleague, Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles match against Mozambique on Monday.

Lawal, a former General Manager of the Shooting Stars SC of Ibadan, said that the former Napoli FC of Italy star must put the squad first above his personal ego.

“I am very delighted with the strong showing of the Super Eagles in the ongoing AFCON, they have shown class.

“The truth is, without doubt, we have the best attack in the world presently in terms of numbers, in terms of quality, and standard.

“In the team that you have, you have Lookman, Moses Simon, Osimhen and others.

“`I also commend the technical crew for giving this type of joy we have missed in the past years,” he said.

On Osimhen’s outburst, Lawal said that ego could be the problem with Osimhen’s attitude.

“The only problem, with the Super Eagles’ team is that they must be careful this ego of Osimhen, his behaviour is out of line, because he’s not playing with his subordinates.

“If he keep picking fights with his teammates before we know it, they won’t play for him any longer.

“I’ve been there before and I know what it means. If Osimhen keeps looking down on his colleagues and shouting them down, he is bullying them.

“These are big players like Osimhen and he must be careful about that,” he advised.

“Outside this scenario, I think we have a fantastic team. If the love and the unity prevails, I don’t think anything can stop us.

“We are the team that can stop ourselves and that’s the truth, but we must be very careful with such behaviour.

“Look at the goals the players scored against the Mozambicans, they are world class.

“So far so good; there is a lot of improvement, and for me personally, I don’t have doubts, because in every tournament, Nigeria gets better with each game. That has always been our attitude.

“If the team remain united and focused and stay out of these little scandals and controversies, they can win the AFCON,” he said.