As Rufai Oseni Slams him on Arise Live TV Show
A fresh controversy has hit the Super Eagles camp following Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique, after popular Arise TV broadcaster Rufai Oseni reacted strongly to reports that star striker Victor Osimhen threatened to abandon the national team.
Speaking on the Arise TV Morning Show on Tuesday, Oseni openly criticised what he described as a growing culture of indiscipline and entitlement among some senior players, insisting that no individual is bigger than the Super Eagles. His comments followed widespread reports that Osimhen was unhappy after an on-field disagreement during the Mozambique match and allegedly hinted at quitting the team.
What Happened in the Nigeria vs Mozambique Match
Nigeria cruised into the next stage of the competition with a dominant display against Mozambique, scoring four unanswered goals in one of their best performances of the tournament. Osimhen found the back of the net during the encounter but was visibly involved in a heated exchange with one of his teammates during the second half after a missed passing opportunity.
Television footage showed the Napoli forward gesturing angrily and appearing frustrated, moments that sparked conversations both inside and outside the stadium. Although the Super Eagles maintained control of the game and sealed a convincing win, the incident reportedly left tensions within the squad.
Reports of Accreditation Withdrawal and Exit Threat
After the match, reports emerged that Osimhen refused post-match team engagements and allegedly stopped his accreditation with the Super Eagles camp. Some sources further claimed that the striker threatened to leave the team and return to Turkey, where he currently plays his club football, if issues within the camp were not addressed.
As of press time, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has not released an official statement confirming or denying the reports.
Rufai Oseni’s Reaction Sparks Nationwide Debate
Reacting on live television, Rufai Oseni questioned the idea of a player threatening to walk away from the national team, stressing that representing Nigeria is a privilege, not a favour. His blunt reaction quickly went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions from fans, analysts and former players.
While some Nigerians applauded Oseni for “speaking the truth,” others urged restraint, warning that public criticism could further destabilise the team as the tournament progresses.
Super Eagles Focus on Next Match Amid Distraction
Despite the growing controversy, the Super Eagles are expected to shift attention to their next fixture as they continue their campaign. Team officials are believed to be working behind the scenes to calm tensions and maintain unity within the squad.
Whether Osimhen will publicly address the reports or the NFF will take disciplinary steps remains to be seen, but the episode has once again raised questions about player conduct, leadership and accountability in Nigerian football.
