Fans thought Victor Osimhen did not congratulate Ademola Lookman after the Atalanta star took over the reins to become the African best.
Super Eagles fans on social media raised concerns regarding star striker Victor Osimhen, whom they thought did not congratulate compatriot Ademola Lookman after the latter won the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award in Morocco.
The controversy emanated after Lookman took over from Osimhen to become the best player on the continent, and numerous friends, colleagues, and acquaintances took to social media to post the Atalanta forward.
However, many fans were looking forward to one from Victor Osimhen, but the conclusion from some was that the on-loan Galatasaray star didn’t congratulate his colleague.
In this article, Pulse Sports Nigeria brings all the details, clarifying facts from rumours and setting the records straight.
What happened?
Just minutes after Ademola Lookman was crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year on Monday night in Marrakech, Osimhen shared a post that left many talking – and not about congratulations.
Lookman, fresh off his incredible season with Atalanta and a starring role in the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 run, was honoured with Africa’s top football accolade.
The 27-year-old accepted the award in a traditional Yoruba outfit, beaming with pride as he thanked God, his teammates, and his country for their unwavering support.
He even shared a powerful message for aspiring young athletes, turning personal failures into motivation.
What did Osimhen do?
But while Lookman basked in the glory, Osimhen’s social media post minutes after the ceremony raised a few eyebrows with eagle-eyed fans waiting to see a congratulatory message from the 2023 winner.
The Galatasaray forward flaunted his latest showstopper – a custom-made diamond pendant worth millions.
The piece, designed by New York-based jeweller Benny The Jeweler, features over 275 carats of emerald baguettes and carbon fibre, all shaped into a mask that mirrors the iconic look Osimhen often sports on the pitch.
The pendant also features his trademark ‘VO9’ encrusted in rose gold.
While others argue that the pendant, a clear marker of Osimhen’s status and wealth, was a statement of self-assurance, indicating he remains at the top of his game, fans were expecting a public message to Lookman from the highest-paid Nigerian footballer.
Given that Osimhen had won the prestigious CAF award in 2023, some fans were left wondering about the timing of the post – immediately after Lookman’s win.
Did Osimhen congratulate Lookman?
The fact is that Victor Osimhen congratulated Lookman for his win. He did this via the comments section of the Super Eagles’ official Instagram. He said: “Well deserved!!! Congratulations Lookman!!”
However, it appears many Super Eagles fans did not see the comment, which explains why there were some kind of mixed reactions on social media.
Also, many would have expected Osimhen to post Lookman on his personal social media page, but there is no law that mandates this.
Osimhen would later explain that he sent Lookman a congratulatory text message after his game in Turkey on Monday night.
Final Thoughts
The truth is that Lookman and Osimhen are close pals – this was on full display during Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 AFCON. Moreover, Osimhen has also been rooting for his compatriot to take over from him as the next African best, which was what exactly happened.
There is no beef between Lookman and Osimhen as both football players have mutual respect for one another, and Nigerians will need this friendship to continue to gell as the nation looks to book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Pulse Sports
