Despite images and video clips that circulated widely after Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, the Nigeria Football Federation has presented a different account of events inside the Super Eagles’ camp, dismissing suggestions of internal discord as misplaced and exaggerated.
The win, which sent the three-time champions into the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, was briefly overshadowed by speculation following footage showing striker Victor Osimhen gesturing towards fellow forward Ademola Lookman before a corner kick. Additional videos later emerged on social media, including one showing Osimhen leaving the dressing room in visible frustration and another capturing Alex Iwobi embracing him as he appeared emotionally drained.
According to the NFF, however, the clips that gained traction online merely fuelled rumours that did not reflect the true atmosphere within the squad.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor played down the reports, insisting that the team remains united and fully focused on the task ahead.
“There is no problem whatsoever in our camp,” Achor said. “What people tried to portray as a crisis between two brothers was addressed and resolved within hours. Everything is calm and focused, and we are presently at training.”
The federation also dismissed claims that striker Jerome Akor Adams had abandoned the team camp after scoring his first-ever AFCON goal against Mozambique. Achor clarified that Adams had received official permission to briefly visit his mother, who was hospitalised in Fès, and returned to the camp in less than an hour.
On the training pitch, all 26 available players took part in Tuesday evening’s session at the Sardienne Complex, with only young defender Ryan Alebiosu continuing his recovery programme.
The Super Eagles will move base to Marrakech on Thursday, where they will face the Algeria national football team and the DR Congo national football team in Saturday’s quarter-final tie, scheduled to kick off at 5pm.