Fès, Morocco: Lanre Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has defended Victor Osimhen, following his on-pitch altercation with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique.
The incident occurred in the 63rd minute of play at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, even though Nigeria already held a commanding lead.
Osimhen angrily confronted Lookman after the winger opted to take a shot instead of passing to the striker, who appeared unmarked in the penalty area.
Osimhen’s outburst triggered widespread reaction on social media, with several Nigerian fans criticising the Galatasaray striker for what they described as indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.
Onilu, however, said Osimhen’s reaction was driven by deep patriotism and the desire to see Nigeria succeed, stressing that it should not be misconstrued as indiscipline or disrespect.
“Victor Osimhen is a passionate Nigerian who gives his all for the green and white.
“What happened on the pitch was purely about commitment to the team and the nation,” Onilu said.
He added that Lookman had since clarified the situation and absolved Osimhen of any wrongdoing.
“Lookman himself has made it clear that there was no disrespect.
“The matter was exaggerated, and both players remained united and focused on the national objective,” he said.
Speaking to NAN in Fès, where he is part of a Federal Government delegation rallying support for the Super Eagles, the NOA boss said the agency’s presence in Morocco was aimed at mobilising Nigerians and friends of Nigeria to stand behind the team.
“Our role here is to build national unity and project Nigeria positively.
“Football remains a powerful tool for cohesion, and AFCON provides a platform to showcase our collective spirit,” he said.
Onilu said that NOA had distributed more than 5,000 Nigerian flags and mounted outdoor banners across the city, noting that the sea of green, white, and green in the stands was largely driven by the agency’s efforts.
“Playing in Fès is like playing at home. The atmosphere created by Nigerians here is incredible and has clearly boosted the morale of our players,” he said.
He described AFCON as Africa’s biggest football festival and a symbol of continental pride, urging Nigerians not to downplay its importance.
“AFCON is not a consolation prize. It is Africa’s most prestigious football competition, and winning it is a matter of honour for any nation,” Onilu said.
Onilu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, revealing that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had formally petitioned FIFA over Congo’s alleged use of ineligible players.
“We believe in due process and fairness. The NFF has taken the right steps, and we are hopeful that justice will prevail,” he said.
Onilu reiterated NOA’s mandate to communicate government policies and promote value reorientation, unity, and national cohesion, noting that the agency operates in all 772 local government areas across the country, with 818 offices nationwide.
“These same values are what we are promoting here in Morocco—unity, patriotism, and unwavering support for the Super Eagles as they march on at AFCON,” he said.
