Ademola Lookman leads rising Super Eagles confidence ahead of Algeria showdown

Ademola Lookman has revealed that belief within the Super Eagles is growing stronger at the 1XBET CAF Africa Cup of Nations, as Nigeria sharpens its focus for a high-stakes quarter-final clash with Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Marrakech on Saturday.

The Atalanta winger has emerged as Nigeria’s standout performer at the tournament, continuing a string of commanding displays that earned him his second Man of the Match award.

With three goals and five assists already to his name at this AFCON, Lookman has now taken his overall 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations goal tally to seven, underlining his importance to the Super Eagles’ campaign.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s upward trajectory, Lookman expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress after their most recent outing.

“It’s been great,” Lookman said after their last match. “The team is improving every single game. It’s all goals today, so that’s positive for us.”

Deployed in a dynamic attacking trio alongside Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, Lookman has been instrumental in keeping Nigeria dangerous in the final third. His chemistry with the forwards has been evident, and he was quick to brush aside any speculation of discord following a brief on-field exchange with Osimhen.

“Nothing happened, just a discussion on the pitch. That’s it,” he said. “In football, these things happen and you move on.”

When asked if such moments could help strengthen team unity, the winger again downplayed the incident.

“I don’t know what the big issue is,” he added. “These things happen in football and you move on.”

Lookman also spoke about the pride and pressure that come with representing Nigeria, noting that wearing the national colours continues to fuel 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 and try to perform.”

As attention turns to the looming battle against Algeria — champions of the 2019 edition — Lookman is under no illusions about the challenge ahead, describing the quarter-final stage as a defining moment in the competition.

“The quarterfinals of the AFCON is something to look forward to,” he said. “Another big battle awaits us, so we need to be ready.”

He also pointed to the intense physicality and tactical discipline that define the tournament.

“Everyone is physically strong,” Lookman explained. “It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.”

Reiterating Nigeria’s approach, he stressed the importance of maintaining a winning mindset.

“Same mentality from the team,” he said. “Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”

Beyond football, Lookman offered a message of hope to fans and those facing personal struggles.

“Keep on focusing, keep on believing in yourself,” he said. “Good things will come.”

With memories of the 2019 defeat to Algeria still fresh, Nigeria will once again look to Lookman’s inspiration as they chase a place in the AFCON semi-finals and aim to write a different ending this time around.