The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, has defended Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen over his on-field altercation 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 were driven by genuine passion for the country and not intended to disrespect any teammate. He added that Ademola Lookman has also exonerated Osimhen, stressing that the incident was misunderstood and did not amount to disrespect.

Speaking to journalists in Fez, Morocco, where he is part of a Federal Government delegation rallying support for the Super Eagles, the NOA boss explained that the agency’s presence in Morocco is to mobilise Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike in support of Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title.

According to him, NOA has distributed over 5,000 Nigerian flags and mounted outdoor banners across Fez, noting that many of the flags waving in the stands during matches are part of NOA’s 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 explained that AFCON should not be seen as a substitute or compensation for the FIFA World Cup, describing it instead as Africa’s biggest football showpiece and a source of continental pride.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s World Cup prospects, revealing that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has petitioned FIFA over the alleged use of ineligible players by Congo, a matter still under FIFA’s consideration.

Onilu also highlighted NOA’s dual mandate: communicating government policies and programmes to citizens, and promoting value orientation, unity, and national cohesion.

He noted that the agency operates in all 774 local government areas across the country, with 818 offices and over 4,000 personnel.

“These mandates are being demonstrated here in Morocco as we mobilise support and national unity around the Super Eagles as AFCON progresses,” he said.