Victor Osimhen: 5 times hotheaded talisman has made headlines for the wrong reasons

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Victor Osimhen: 5 times hotheaded talisman has made headlines for the wrong reasons
Photo by Icon Sport

An unexpected subplot involving Victor Osimhen somewhat overshadowed Nigeria’s emphatic 4-0 triumph over Mozambique in Fes, a display otherwise marked by control, movement and sharp finishing.

The Super Eagles forward, who had already found the net and linked well with Ademola Lookman earlier in the game, became embroiled in a heated exchange midway through the second half that momentarily shifted attention away from an otherwise dominant Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) win.

Moments like this do not exist in isolation. The pattern stretches across years, flashes of brilliance paired with confrontations, arguments, or disputes that refuse to leave quietly.

Below are just five instances.

Victor Osimhen’s tirade against Finidi George

Osimhen missed Nigeria’s first two games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in June 2024 due to a late-season injury, and was particularly unimpressed by uncorroborated remarks attributed to erstwhile Nigeria trainer Finidi George questioning his commitment.

The reaction was, again, completely overboard, as the reigning CAF Player of the Year went on a scathing social media rant against Finidi — who, in any case, was already on his way out after the briefest of stints as Super Eagles boss — that only further muddied the waters.

It did nothing to make him come across any less volatile and hot-headed than many have observed him to be over the years.

Victor Osimhen’s feud with teammate’s camp

During Napoli’s title-winning run, Victor Osimhen shared the limelight with Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, but beneath the success a quiet rivalry brewed, shaped by outside competing narratives around both players’ status.

That dynamic was made no healthier by Kvaratskhelia’s agent suggesting earlier this year that a supposed lack of ambition on Osimhen’s part may see him accept a potentially lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen- Photo by IMAGO
Photo by IMAGO

Osimhen was certainly within his rights to reply, but what he chose was another over-the-top shot, describing Mamuka Jugeli, the agent, as “a piece of filth and a disgrace” on Instagram, with a few choice words for extra spice.

The atmosphere around Osimhen and the club was tested again in September 2024 after his missed penalty against Bologna. A TikTok post from Napoli that appeared to mock the incident triggered an immediate reaction: Osimhen removed images of himself in club colours from his pages, while his agent threatened legal action.

The dispute briefly made the relationship look fractured, even though a new contract eventually followed, and many felt his response was overly emotional.

Victor Osimhen’s nightclub filming incident

It is, no doubt, a frustrating period for Osimhen right now, as his demands to leave Napoli and failure to lock in an ideal destination so far sees him in limbo.

At a night-club over the weekend in Napoli to unwind, it certainly did not help that the Nigeria international got wound up by another patron’s attempt to film him on a smartphone.

Osimhen was subsequently seen forcing his way through the crowd towards said person in a seemingly menacing manner.

The incident could see him cop disciplinary action from a club that he may well never even represent again, should his summer aspirations ultimately materialise.

The Ikpeba exchange after criticism during the Abuja playoff

Osimhen’s social media presence has long been unfiltered, but the confrontation with former Super Eagles forward Victor Ikpeba pushed that reputation further. 

Ikpeba had questioned Osimhen’s decision to attempt two bicycle-kick efforts during the 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana in Abuja, arguing that better options were available. The response from Osimhen was harsh, laced with insults and dismissive language that drew widespread criticism.

What began as football analysis turned into a public clash that divided opinion and cast fresh light on his temperament.

Altercation with Bruno Onyemaechi and Ademola Lookman at AFCON 2025

The incident unfolded around the 62nd minute, shortly before a corner. Osimhen first confronted Bruno Onyemaechi, whose blocked effort had led to the set-piece, before Lookman stepped in to calm the situation. Tempers flared instead, with the pair trading words at close range until Super Eagles Wilfred Ndidi intervened decisively to separate them.

Osimhen then motioned to the bench and asked to be withdrawn, an unusual moment in a match Nigeria already had under control and one that left teammates and supporters momentarily stunned.

Lookman remained on the pitch and continued his influential outing, while Osimhen was replaced minutes later. Neither player addressed the confrontation afterward, but members of the match delegation confirmed the disagreement began with frustration over movement during the set-piece.

It contrasted sharply with the seamless chemistry both men displayed earlier, having combined for goals and assists throughout the night.

<!-- Author Start -->Solace Chukwu<!-- Author End -->

Solace Chukwu

Editor Site Coordinator

Solace Chukwu is one of Africa's foremost football columnists, with over a decade of experience working with various media outlets including Goal, Guardian UK, Pulse Sports and NewFrame News. While football is his first love, he also follows and comments on boxing and tennis.

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