Lookman Fuels Rising Super Eagles Confidence Ahead Of Algeria Quarter-final

Lookman Fuels Rising Super Eagles Confidence Ahead Of Algeria Quarter-final

By Niyi Busari 

Ademola Lookman believes Nigeria are peaking at the right time at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, as the Super Eagles prepare for a high-stakes quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday.

Nigeria’s confidence, according to the Atalanta forward, has grown steadily with each match, a trend reflected in both performances and results. The Super Eagles face a stern test against the Desert Foxes, Africa’s 2019 champions, but Lookman insists the squad is 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, collecting his second Man of the Match award and emerging as the side’s creative heartbeat. He has contributed three goals and five assists so far, taking his overall AFCON goal tally to seven.

Operating as part of a fluid attacking trio alongside Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, Lookman has helped Nigeria to remain a constant threat in the final third. A brief on-field exchange with Osimhen in the previous match sparked discussion, but Lookman was quick to downplay any suggestion of discord.

“It was just a discussion on the pitch,” he said. “These things happen in football and you move on.”

Asked whether such moments can galvanise a team, Lookman again dismissed the notion that it was anything out of the ordinary.

“I don’t know why it’s being made into a big issue,” he added. “It’s normal in football.”

The forward said the responsibility of representing Nigeria continues to motivate him.

“Wearing the national colours comes with pressure, and I understand that,” he explained. “I try to channel that pressure into my performances.”

With Algeria awaiting in the last eight, Lookman expects a demanding contest against one of the continent’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 also highlighted the physical intensity of the tournament, noting that fine margins often decide matches.

“Everyone is strong physically,” Lookman said. “It’s about intelligence, preparation and being aggressive on the ball.”

Despite the looming challenge, Lookman insists Nigeria’s mindset remains unchanged.

“The mentality stays the same,” he said. “We want to win.”

He also offered words of encouragement to fans and those facing challenges away from the pitch.

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

Nigeria will once again look to Lookman’s inspiration as they seek a place in the AFCON semi-finals — and an opportunity for redemption against the side that eliminated them at the 2019 tournament in Egypt.