Victor and Lookman’s AFCON row- Coach Chelle has opened up about the much-publicized row between Victor and Lookman during AFCON, offering rare insight into the tensions behind the scenes and the incredible work ethic that makes both forwards elite.
Speaking candidly, Chelle said, “In front of goal, those two guys are top-level. Victor is a machine. If he doesn’t do his specific striker drills, if he doesn’t score in training, it drives him crazy.
He wants to win everything. For him, it’s not a funfair. Lookman is the same, but calmer. Frankly, I’ve seen strikers, but to strike the ball like they do, right foot, left foot… that’s a very, very high level.”
According to Chelle, the row that occurred during AFCON was not a sign of conflict in the team, but rather a reflection of the fierce desire both players have to perform at their highest level.
“Both of them want to win at all costs,” he explained. “Victor has an intensity that can be overwhelming at times, especially when things don’t go his way in training.
Lookman is more composed, but he shares the same hunger. The small clashes you saw on the pitch are just a byproduct of that ambition. They push each other, and that is what makes them so effective as forwards.”
Chelle elaborated on the importance of their striker drills in shaping their finishing ability, movement, and overall performance. “Victor obsesses over scoring in training,” he said. “If he misses even once, it drives him to improve immediately. Every shot counts. Lookman, while calmer, is equally dedicated. He approaches drills methodically, refining his technique, timing, and positioning.
That discipline is what separates good strikers from top-level ones. It’s not just about talent, it’s about application, focus, and consistency.
These drills reinforce a goal-scoring mentality, ensuring they are always ready when it matters most.”
He continued, “I’ve seen many forwards train hard, but these two operate at a different level. The precision, the timing, the ability to adapt during drills—it all translates directly into matches. Their approach to football skill development goes beyond scoring.
They work on anticipation, movement off the ball, first touches, and finishing under pressure. Every aspect is designed to make them complete forwards, not just goal scorers.”
Chelle also highlighted the importance of their ambidextrous finishing. “One of the things that makes them so dangerous is their ability in right foot, left foot shooting. Defenders can’t predict them. Whether it’s a tight angle or a long-range opportunity, they can finish.
That versatility comes from hours of deliberate practice. They refine both feet so thoroughly that it becomes instinctive in match situations.”
Despite their professionalism, the AFCON row illustrated how their intense personalities can sometimes clash. Chelle explained, “Victor wants to win everything. He’s driven by an almost obsessive need to perform perfectly. Lookman is calmer, but just as determined. Naturally, when two strong personalities share the same space and same goals, tension can arise.
That’s what happened on the pitch. But I want to stress—these disagreements never affected the team negatively. In fact, they motivated each other. That competitive energy is part of what makes them top-level forwards.”
Chelle also spoke about the psychological side of their game. “It’s not just about physical skill. Maintaining a winning mindset is crucial. They hold themselves to extremely high standards. Victor’s intensity comes from a fear of mediocrity.
Lookman’s composure allows him to channel his focus efficiently. Together, they demonstrate that the mental aspect of football is as important as the physical.
Striker drills are as much about building confidence, resilience, and decision-making as they are about improving technique.”
He added, “In training, you see it clearly. Victor will take dozens of shots until he’s satisfied. He wants to simulate match pressure in every drill.
Lookman, meanwhile, will analyze the movement of the goalkeeper, the angle of approach, and adjust his finishing accordingly.
Both approaches are effective, and both are designed to maintain a high level of performance in actual games. This is what striker drills are meant to achieve: consistency, adaptability, and instinctive finishing.”
Chelle was particularly candid about how the row during AFCON was interpreted by fans and the media. “People often misunderstand what they see. A moment of tension doesn’t mean conflict in the squad.
Victor and Lookman’s interaction was a result of their shared drive to be the best. That intensity spills over sometimes, but it’s always professional. They know the team comes first. The drills, the sessions, the attention to detail—all of it is about preparing for big moments. Their goal-scoring mentality thrives in this environment.”
The coach also described how these moments of tension can actually improve performance. “When players push each other, they elevate their standards. The row was a sign of ambition, not animosity. It reflects a desire to master the game.
Both are incredibly competitive, but in the right way. It fuels their training, their finishing, and their football skill development. You can see it in how they move, how they anticipate defenders, and how they finish under pressure. It’s why they can strike with such precision, with both feet, and in high-stakes situations.”
Chelle concluded by reinforcing the connection between training, mentality, and elite performance. “To strike the ball at this level consistently, you need more than talent. It requires focus, discipline, and relentless desire.
Striker drills build all of that. They shape a winning mindset, reinforce a goal-scoring mentality, and improve right foot, left foot shooting.
Both Victor and Lookman have proven that the intensity and precision in training directly translate into success in matches. That is why they are top-level forwards.
The row during AFCON? That was simply a glimpse into the passion and ambition that drives them every single day.”
For aspiring forwards and football enthusiasts, Chelle’s insights show that even moments of tension are part of the growth process.
By committing to striker drills, maintaining a winning mindset, and continuously refining football skill development, players can reach elite standards.
“The best strikers are not just talented—they are disciplined, focused, and mentally resilient,” Chelle said. “Victor and Lookman embody all of that. They work tirelessly, push each other, and never settle. That is the secret behind their extraordinary finishing and top-level performances, both in training and on the pitch.”
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