Italian club Atalanta will release Ademola Lookman to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after their league fixture against Cagliari on December 13, allowing him to join the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Lookman, who has been regaining top form following a sluggish start to the season, is expected to make Nigeria's squad for the continental showpiece. 

The forward has scored two goals and provided an assist in his last three matches under new manager Raffaele Palladino, a marked improvement from his earlier run of just one goal in ten appearances under former coach Ivan Jurić.

According to Italian outlet TuttoAtalanta, Lookman will feature against Cagliari before reporting to the national team camp on December 15. 

This timeline makes him a major doubt for Nigeria's high-profile friendly against Egypt on December 14.

Nigeria have been placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. 

The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27, and wrap up the group stage against Uganda on December 30.

After failing to qualify for the World Cup, the Super Eagles will be aiming to clinch a fourth AFCON title, having finished as runners-up in the last edition held in Ivory Coast.

Adeyemi Adewale