Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has spoken about Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the pain of missing out on the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and his immediate future at Italian Serie A club Atalanta.

Lookman was one of the standout performers for the Super Eagles during their run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, registering four goal involvements in seven matches and earning a place in the tournament’s official Best XI.

Later that year, he was named African Footballer of the Year, following a remarkable hat-trick against Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League showpiece. 

His future has been the subject of intense speculation in recent months, after a highly publicised dispute with Atalanta’s hierarchy following a failed summer move to Inter Milan.

The uncertainty over his Atalanta future affected his form early in the season, but the Charlton Athletic academy graduate regained his sharpness before reporting for Afcon duty, contributing two goals and an assist in his last five games.

Lookman described the Africa Cup of Nations as another opportunity for the Super Eagles to prove themselves on the continental stage after their second-place finish in Ivory Coast.

Speaking to Elegbete TV Sports, Lookman said: "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."

When asked whether Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the World Cup could affect the team mentally heading into the Afcon, Lookman admitted the disappointment was deeply felt, but insisted it could be turned into motivation.

"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."

The forward addressed speculation surrounding his future at Atalanta, but avoided committing himself, stressing that his focus remains on national duty.

"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.”

 Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and after finishing third in 2019 and runners-up in 2023, Lookman believes unity will be key to finally lifting the trophy again.

"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."

Since switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, Lookman has earned 35 caps, scoring eight goals while producing five assists.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel