Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman says Nigeria’s confidence continues to grow at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, insisting the team is “improving every single game” ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final clash against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Marrakech.
The Atalanta forward has been Nigeria’s standout performer at the tournament and was again central to their attacking play in the last outing, earning his second Man of the Match award. Lookman has now recorded three goals and five assists at AFCON 2025, taking his overall Africa Cup of Nations tally to seven goals.
“It’s been great,” Lookman said after Nigeria’s most recent match. “The team is improving every single game. It’s all goals today, so that’s positive for us.”
Operating in a fluid attacking trio, Lookman has combined effectively with Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, helping Nigeria maintain a constant threat in the final third. Despite a brief verbal exchange with Osimhen in the previous match, Lookman was quick to dismiss any suggestion of tension within the squad.
“Nothing happened, just a discussion on the pitch. That’s it,” he said. “In football, these things happen and you move on.”
Asked whether such moments could strengthen the team, Lookman again played down their significance.
“I don’t know what the big issue is,” he added. “These things happen in football, and you move on.”
Lookman also noted that the responsibility of wearing the national colours continues to drive his performances.
“I get the opportunity to represent my country, and I know how much weight that bears,” he told reporters. “So I try to use that pressure to perform.”
With the Super Eagles firmly focused on Saturday’s quarter-final, Lookman is expecting a stern examination against one of Africa’s most experienced sides. Nigeria and Algeria are set for a high-stakes showdown at the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech in the third quarter-final of the tournament.
“The quarter-finals of the AFCON is something to look forward to,” Lookman said. “Another big battle awaits us, so we need to be ready.”
He also highlighted the physical and tactical demands of the competition.
“Everyone is physically strong,” he explained. “It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.”
“Same mentality from the team,” he added. “Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”
Both nations, which boast five African titles between them, are expected to throw everything into the encounter as they battle for a place in the semi-finals of what is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most glamorous AFCON tournaments in the competition’s 69-year history.
The winger also offered words of encouragement to supporters and those facing challenges beyond football.
“Keep on focusing, keep on believing in yourself,” he said. “Good things will come.”
Nigeria will once again look to Lookman for inspiration, alongside Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Osimhen and Lookman were key figures in Nigeria’s runner-up finish in Ivory Coast two years ago and have been equally influential in Morocco, with both players scoring three goals so far.
Lookman has also provided five assists, while Osimhen has added one, underlining their importance as the Super Eagles chase a place in the AFCON semi-finals against the 2019 champions.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
