Perception, passion and Osimhen’s moment of reflection

Femi Fabunmi

In football, as in life, perception often becomes reality. When a player is repeatedly associated with a particular attitude especially one perceived as negative it tends to define public opinion about him. Over time, past actions accumulate and even when such a player is right history has a way of resurfacing to shape judgment.

This was precisely the situation that unfolded involving Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen during Nigeria’s emphatic victory over Mozambique. Osimhen who had already scored twice from assists brilliantly supplied by Ademola Lookman was clearly hungry for a third goal to complete his hat trick. That desire however became the tipping point.

The flashpoint came when defender Bruno Onyeamachi opted not to pass the ball to Osimhen despite the striker being in a promising position.

Feeling frustrated Osimhen reacted angrily lashing out at Bruno and in the heat of the moment venting his displeasure toward Lookman as well. What might have been interpreted as passion for excellence quickly turned into an avoidable on field confrontation.

To be clear Osimhen’s hunger for success both personal and collective is not in doubt. It is a quality that has driven him to the very top of African and world football.

However the manner in which that hunger is expressed matters especially within a team setting. In attempting to correct what he perceived as a mistake Osimhen adopted the wrong approach and that reaction is rightly condemnable.

Unsurprisingly fans and the media myself included were quick to raise concerns.

What many failed to initially acknowledge was how quickly memories of Osimhen’s past reactions resurfaced. His previous displays of frustration when things do not go his way became the lens through which this incident was viewed. Had this been his first or even second such episode the reaction might have been softer perhaps even sympathetic. But accumulated history weighed heavily against him.

At critical moments in a tournament such behavior whether intentional or not can affect team morale the psychology of teammates and the overall harmony within the squad. In a competition as demanding as AFCON unity is non negotiable.

Encouragingly feelers from within the Super Eagles camp suggest that Osimhen has reflected on the incident learned his lessons and mended fences with his teammates. He is said to be back on good terms with all members of the squad and the issue has been firmly nipped in the bud.

The most important takeaway is that there is no lingering animosity. The team is united focused and rearing to go.

With Algeria up next the Super Eagles must channel their energy into performance not internal distractions. History has shown that reaching the semi finals of any major competition places a team firmly in contention for the title.

Now is the time to move forward.

Go Super Eagles.

Go and pound Algeria.

March on to the semi finals where dreams are won.