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NOA D-G Defends Osimhen Following On-Field Clash with Lookman

Posted : 07 January 2026

The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, has defended Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over his on-field clash with teammate Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s Round of 16 match against Mozambique at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Mallam Onilu clarified that Osimhen’s actions stemmed from genuine passion for the country and were not meant to disrespect any teammate. He added that Lookman has also exonerated Osimhen, stressing that the incident was misunderstood and did not constitute disrespect.

Speaking to journalists in Fez, Morocco, where he is part of a Federal Government delegation supporting the Super Eagles, the NOA boss explained that the agency’s presence aims to mobilize Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike in backing Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title. According to him, NOA has distributed over 5,000 Nigerian flags and installed outdoor banners across Fez, with many of the flags seen in the stands being part of these initiatives.

“Playing in Fez is like playing in Nigeria,” Onilu said, describing the massive fan support as a morale booster that contributed to Nigeria’s qualification for the quarterfinals.

The NOA Director-General further emphasized that AFCON should be viewed as Africa’s premier football showcase and a source of continental pride, not as a substitute for the FIFA World Cup. He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s World Cup prospects, noting that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has petitioned FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by Congo, a matter still under review.

Onilu also highlighted NOA’s dual mandate: communicating government policies and programs to citizens, and promoting value orientation, unity, and national cohesion. He noted that the agency operates across all 772 local government areas, with 818 offices and over 4,000 personnel. “These mandates are being demonstrated here in Morocco as we mobilize support and national unity around the Super Eagles as AFCON progresses,” he said.

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