AFCON: We Are United – Moses Simon speaks following Lookman-Osimhen outburst

Nigeria winger Moses Simon has come forward to reinforce the unity within the Super Eagles squad, following a highly publicised on-pitch exchange between star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

The incident, which occurred during Nigeria's emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, led to speculation of a rift just days before their crucial quarter-final.

While the spat prompted Osimhen to ask for a substitution and depart immediately after the final whistle, Lookman later dismissed any serious issue. Building on that, Simon addressed the media to reaffirm the team's collective spirit ahead of their clash with Algeria on Saturday, January 10.

"It’s a team play. We are all a team and of course we are united as you can see," Simon asserted. He highlighted the caliber of the players involved, noting, "We play for them [Lookman and Osimhen]; they are the two African Best Players [winners in back-to-back years]."

Simon was clear that the team's focus transcends any individual concerns. "We are working altogether as a team. So there is no time for who is the best and who is not the best," he stated. "The most important thing is that the team is the best. We just want to win."

With his comments, Simon aims to shift the narrative from internal discord to the squad's shared ambition of continental success, as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.