No goals in 5 games for club and country: 3 possible reasons Lookman's boots have gone quiet

Super Eagles forward and reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, is currently enduring a dry spell in front of goal, failing to score in his last five appearances for both club and country.

 Despite having a strong campaign with 18 goals and 7 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions, Lookman has struggled in recent weeks, drawing blanks in Serie A fixtures against Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Lazio, as well as in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents three possible reasons for his recent dip in form

Fatigue and tiredness

Lookman has featured extensively in recent weeks, logging 212 minutes in Atalanta’s last three league games and another 180 minutes for Nigeria during the World Cup qualifiers.

Since returning from a knee injury in February, the Nigerian international has played in every match available for both club and country.

The heavy workload could be taking its toll physically and mentally, affecting his sharpness and output in front of goal.

Unfamiliar positions  

Lookman has thrived this season in a supporting striker role at Atalanta, where he’s racked up 13 goals and 5 assists in 25 league games playing close to the central striker.

However, in recent matches, he’s been deployed in less effective positions.

Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle used him as an attacking midfielder behind Victor Osimhen in the qualifiers, while Atalanta did the same against Lazio.

Playing out of his natural position could be limiting his chances and involvement in decisive moments.

Low confidence and tough opposition  

Atalanta’s recent form hasn’t helped Lookman’s confidence.

The team is winless in their last three Serie A games, all against strong opposition—Inter Milan, Fiorentina, and Lazio.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's struggles in the World Cup qualifiers, sitting in a precarious position, may also be weighing on Lookman.

The pressure and poor results could be affecting his composure and decision-making in the final third.

Despite the recent struggles, Lookman's overall season remains impressive, and Atalanta will hope he rediscovers his scoring touch as they aim to bounce back in the league.

Adeyemi Adewale

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