Ademola Lookman: Super Eagles Peaking at the Right Time Ahead of Algeria Showdown
Ademola Lookman believes Nigeria are hitting top form at exactly the right moment at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, as the Super Eagles prepare for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday.
More Details
The Atalanta forward says confidence within the Nigerian camp has grown steadily with each passing game, reflected in both performances and results. While acknowledging the quality of the Desert Foxes—Africa’s champions in 2019—Lookman insists the Super Eagles are ready for the challenge.
“We’re improving every single game,” Lookman said after Nigeria’s latest outing. “Scoring goals is always positive, and it shows the progress we’re making as a team.”
Lookman has been Nigeria’s standout performer at the tournament, already collecting his second Man of the Match award. He has contributed three goals and five assists, taking his overall AFCON goal tally to seven, and has emerged as the creative heartbeat of the Super Eagles.
Deployed in a fluid attacking trio alongside Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, Lookman has helped Nigeria remain a constant threat in the final third. A brief on-field exchange with Osimhen in the previous match sparked discussion, but the winger was quick to dismiss any suggestion of discord.
“It was just a discussion on the pitch,” he said. “These things happen in football and you move on.”
When asked whether such moments can galvanise a team, Lookman again downplayed the incident.
“I don’t know why it’s being made into a big issue,” he added. “It’s normal in football.”
- SPL: Al Taawoun Continue To Inspire As Benzema Shines For Al Ittihad
- Brahim Díaz On Target As Atlas Lions Roar Into AFCON Last Four
- Just Like De Bruyne, Another Manchester City Star Could Move To The Serie A Soon
- AFCON 2025: Senegal Weather The Storm To End Mali’s Title Ambition
- Al Ahli Present New Appointees
The 26-year-old also spoke about the weight of responsibility that comes with representing Nigeria.
“Wearing the national colours comes with pressure, and I understand that,” he explained. “I try to channel that pressure into my performances.”
Looking ahead to the quarter-final, Lookman expects a demanding contest against one of Africa’s most experienced and tactically astute sides.
“The quarter-finals are always something to look forward to,” he said. “It’s another big battle and we have to be ready.”
He highlighted the physical and mental demands of the tournament, noting that fine margins often decide matches at this stage.
“Everyone is strong physically,” Lookman said. “It’s about intelligence, preparation and being aggressive on the ball.”
Despite the looming test against Algeria, Lookman insists Nigeria’s mindset remains unchanged.
“The mentality stays the same,” he said. “We want to win.”
Read Also – Goal Line Technology: Cursory Look At Efficacy Since Introduction
He also offered words of encouragement to fans and those facing challenges away from the pitch.
“Keep focusing and believing in yourself,” Lookman said. “Good things will come.”
Nigeria will once again look to Lookman’s inspiration as they chase a semi-final place—and an opportunity for redemption against the side that eliminated them at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
Do you have story tips?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
