Sunday Oliseh stated, "Victor Osimhen is the reason Nigeria did not win the AFCON trophy in Morocco."
The former Super Eagles coach elaborated, "Let's examine the toxicity that may have cost us the AFCON title. We are confusing talent with a license to disrupt team chemistry. Victor Osimhen is world-class, but talent does not grant permission to damage team dynamics. Consider the evidence: since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest players, Lookman has become a shadow of his former self, and we lost our edge.
"When you publicly diminish your teammates, you break their spirit. You undermine the very confidence required for a team to succeed in a semifinal. Against a tactically sharp team like Morocco, we needed our best players performing at their peak. Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that public verbal attack broke his focus. You can't expect a playmaker to perform miracles on the pitch when he has been demoralized by his own teammate.
"The conflict caused significant damage. We didn't just lose a game; we lost the psychological edge needed to win the title. What is worse, and frankly, what is most dangerous for our football, is the fan culture that now tolerates this behavior.
Scoring goals for Nigeria does not give you a license to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba. It does not entitle you to disrespect your coaches or teammates. If we don't address discipline and administration issues, there won't be a Super Eagles left to support."
Sunday Oliseh stated, "Victor Osimhen is the reason Nigeria did not win the AFCON trophy in Morocco."
The former Super Eagles coach elaborated, "Let's examine the toxicity that may have cost us the AFCON title. We are confusing talent with a license to disrupt team chemistry. Victor Osimhen is world-class, but talent does not grant permission to damage team dynamics. Consider the evidence: since that public outburst against Ademola Lookman, one of our brightest players, Lookman has become a shadow of his former self, and we lost our edge.
"When you publicly diminish your teammates, you break their spirit. You undermine the very confidence required for a team to succeed in a semifinal. Against a tactically sharp team like Morocco, we needed our best players performing at their peak. Statistically, Ademola Lookman was the most dangerous player in the tournament until that public verbal attack broke his focus. You can't expect a playmaker to perform miracles on the pitch when he has been demoralized by his own teammate.
"The conflict caused significant damage. We didn't just lose a game; we lost the psychological edge needed to win the title. What is worse, and frankly, what is most dangerous for our football, is the fan culture that now tolerates this behavior.
Scoring goals for Nigeria does not give you a license to disrespect certified legends like Finidi George or Victor Ikpeba. It does not entitle you to disrespect your coaches or teammates. If we don't address discipline and administration issues, there won't be a Super Eagles left to support."
