A CAF highlight reel of Nigeria’s two biggest stars has reignited a familiar debate. But the numbers, the moments, and the fan reactions all say the same thing: this duo is meant to be celebrated, not divided.
There is a video doing the rounds on social media right now, posted by CAF, Africa’s football governing body.
In it, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman are doing what they do best - terrorising defences, making goals for each other, celebrating together in the green and white of the Super Eagles.
It is a beautiful watch. And yet, somehow, it has managed to restart one of Nigerian football’s most unnecessary arguments.
Osimhen vs Lookman
The comparison between Osimhen and Lookman has become a fixture of Nigerian football discourse and not always a healthy one.
Osimhen and Lookman made CAF Best XI.
When Lookman completed his move to LaLiga, a section of fans and analysts used it as ammunition against Osimhen, whose blockbuster switch to Galatasaray in Turkey drew mockery from those who felt he had stepped down from European football’s top table.
When Osimhen scores, Lookman’s name gets dragged in. When Lookman shines, Osimhen’s standing is questioned. It has become exhausting.
Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen against Mozambique. (Photo Credit: Imago)
The AFCON 2025 numbers alone should settle this. In Morocco, Lookman delivered three goals and four assists in five starts.
Osimhen contributed four goals and two assists in six. Together, they made Nigeria the tournament’s top scorers and, by most accounts, its most entertaining side.
Victor Osimhen at the Turkish GQ Turkey Men of the Year Awards | Instagram