In a welcome development for Nigerian football, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has spectacularly rediscovered his scoring touch at a perfect time, netting in consecutive matches for his Italian club, Atalanta.
This resurgence comes just as the Nigerian national team finalizes its preparations for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), offering a significant confidence boost.
Lookman Fires Atalanta to Crucial Victory
The recent Serie A clash saw Lookman play a pivotal role in Atalanta's 2-0 win over Fiorentina on Saturday. This victory was desperately needed, breaking an eight-match league winless streak for the Bergamo-based club.
After an earlier missed opportunity, Lookman demonstrated sharp instincts by pouncing on a rebound. When a powerful header from teammate Charles De Ketelaere was parried by Fiorentina's goalkeeper, the Nigerian international reacted fastest, smashing the loose ball into the roof of the net to double his team's lead.
This goal marked his second in two games, having also found the back of the net in a UEFA Champions League encounter earlier in the week.
A Timely Boost for Nigeria's AFCON Ambitions
For the Nigerian national team, the timing of Lookman's return to form is ideal. The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is just weeks away, and Lookman had previously experienced a dip in form during recent World Cup qualifying matches for the Super Eagles.
His current performance upswing provides major encouragement for head coach Eric Chelle, who is in the process of finalizing his squad for the continental tournament. Lookman's regained sharpness and ability to deliver in decisive moments are invaluable assets for a team aiming to win its fourth AFCON title.
As a key attacker for the Super Eagles, his proven capacity to score crucial goals at the club level suggests he is peaking at the perfect moment to lead Nigeria's charge in Morocco.
What This Means for the Super Eagles
Lookman's resurgence solves a potential headache for the Nigerian coaching staff. His ability to perform under pressure in a top European league like Serie A indicates he is ready for the challenges of AFCON.
His current run of form, characterized by clinical finishing and intelligent movement, signals that he could be one of the standout players for Nigeria at the tournament. For a Super Eagles squad rich with talent, having a confident and in-form Ademola Lookman could be the difference between a good campaign and a championship-winning one.
