Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has expressed confidence in the team’s ability to succeed at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria head into the tournament as one of the favorites alongside defending champions Ivory Coast, Senegal and host nations Morocco, who defeated Comoros 2-0 in the opening match on Sunday night.
The three-time champions reached the final in Ivory Coast two years ago, but suffered an agonizing 2-1 defeat to the host nations in the final.
The team was also rocked with several controversies in the buildup to the tournament, while experienced captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football.
Young defender Benjamin Fredrick also misses out of the tournament after suffering a knee injury in training, leaving the nation short on personnel at the center-back position.
However, head coach Eric Chelle still named a very strong 28-man list and will be expected to go all the way for the title in Morocco.
Lookman eyes AFCON glory, speaks on Atalanta future
Ademola Lookman was very influential at the previous African Cup of Nations as Nigeria reached the final and was named the CAF Men’s player of the year for 2024.
The Atalanta winger will be hoping for another inspiring display after a couple of underwhelming performances for the Super Eagles in recent outings.
“Exciting. Obviously another competition for us to go out there and prove ourselves once again, so it’s a pleasure to have that pressure on us again. We are happy to be here”, Lookman stated.
“Last time, we came so close in Abidjan, but we didn’t win, so keeping that togetherness, unity that we have in the squad is an important thing for us, to keep us going.
“We have to show quality in games, show togetherness in our fight and we have that. Once that all comes together, things will be great.”
On Nigeria’s World Cup disappointment
“The reality of that is disappointing for all of us and the nation. Hopefully we can use that pain into something positive, and turn it into something powerful to drive us.”
On his future at Atalanta
“I don’t know the future, if the future will come. Right now I am focused on performing and helping the team in Morocco and hopefully bring glory back home”, the winger concluded.
Super Eagles AFCON 2025 group stage schedule:
The Super Eagles will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in group C of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, hoping to book their spots in the knockout rounds.
Nigeria will go up against Tanzania in their opening clash on the 23rd of December and face Tunisia in their second group match on the 27th.
They conclude group stage actions against Uganda on the 30th, with the knockout phase scheduled to commence on the 3rd of January, 2026.
