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Tag: ADEMOLA LOOKMAN

  • Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    Super Eagles Cruise Past Mozambique 4–0, Book AFCON 2025 Semi-Final Spot

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday, dismantling the Mozambique Mambas 4–0 in their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash to secure a convincing place in the semi-finals of the tournament.

    Nigeria asserted their dominance early in the encounter, pressing high and controlling possession, with the midfield trio dictating the tempo and starving Mozambique of space.

    The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Ademola Lookman, sending Nigerian supporters into celebration.

    Buoyed by the opener, the Super Eagles intensified their pressure.

    Ademola Lookman doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 33rd minute with a well-placed finish following a swift attacking move, capping a dominant first-half display that left the Mambas chasing shadows.

    Mozambique attempted to respond after the break, but Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Kevin Bassey and Taiwo Ajayi, stood firm, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali remained largely untroubled.

    Nigeria effectively put the game beyond reach in the 56th minute when Alex Iwobi delivered a perfectly weighted pass that was calmly finished by Lookman, following sustained pressure in Mozambique’s half.

    The Super Eagles continued to dictate proceedings, with Osimhen and Lookman stretching the opposition with pace and movement.

    The rout was completed in the 74th minute as Lookman turned provider once again, setting up Adams Akor, who slotted home confidently to underline Nigeria’s attacking depth and dominance.

    Osimhen’s tireless runs, Lookman’s creativity, and Iwobi’s control in midfield proved decisive, while the defensive unit ensured Mozambique failed to register any meaningful attempt on target throughout the contest.

    Speaking after the match, the Super Eagles’ coach praised his team’s discipline and collective effort, describing the emphatic victory as a clear statement of intent as Nigeria continues its quest for a fourth AFCON title.

    With the convincing win, the Super Eagles march into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals full of confidence and momentum, awaiting their next opponent as hopes of continental glory grow stronger.

  • W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    W/Cup Qualifier: S/Eagles aims to beat Rwanda in Kigali

    As the countdown draws close to Friday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have said picking the three points at stake was non-negotiable.

    The Super Eagles take on hosts Amavubis of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, on Friday at 6:00p.m. Rwanda time (5:00p.m. Nigeria time).

    Team captain, William Ekong, told newsmen on Wednesday that the players were focused and unfazed by talks of Nigeria never beating Rwanda on their home turf.

    “Actually, we read about that in some places, but we are not bothered.

    “I was part of the last game in Kigali, which ended scoreless, but we know that we cannot afford a draw this time.

    “Our objective is to pick the three points and bring some life back into our campaign.

    “We are certainly not concerned about history books and what has happened before now. Qualification for the FIFA World Cup is our priority,” he said.

    The three-time African champions are yet to achieve victory over Rwanda in that country, going back 20 years.

    A 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match ended 1-1 at the Amahoro Stadium.

    In 2011, a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo, in the outskirts of Kigali, ended scoreless.

    In September last year, another 0-0 was the outcome of a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.

    All 23 invited players were at the Eagles’ Radisson Blu nest on Tuesday night.

    This means that everyone would be involved in the second training on Wednesday (today), and
    in the official training session at the Amahoro Stadium on Thursday evening.

    Nigeria’s goal-banger Victor Osimhen was among the early arrivals, and in high spirit after becoming the new leading scorer in the Turkish Superlig with 20 goals after a hat-trick on Saturday.

    The 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup top scorer now has 23 goals for Nigeria in 47 matches.

    Also in the team is reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and new invitee Tolu Arokodare to make life difficult for the Amavubi rearguard.

    World football-governing body, FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, who turns 38 two days after the match, to take charge of the game.

    Jayes officiated a friendly game between the Super Eagles and Ghana’s Black Stars in Marrakech on March 22, 2024, which Nigeria won 2-1.

    That match marked the first in 18 years that Nigeria would overcome Ghana in a game at senior level.

    On Friday, Franco-Malian tactician Éric Sékou Chelle will lead out the Super Eagles for the first time.

    This is as the FIFA World Cup qualifying series resume with Nigeria, yet to win in their previous four matches.

    The Eagles are desperate to start winning in order to brighten their chances of picking the only automatic ticket from group C to the finals in USA, Canada and Mexico next summer

  • Ademola Lookman is CAF African Player of the Year

    Ademola Lookman is CAF African Player of the Year

    Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman has been crowned ‘Footballer of the Year’ by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

    His win was announced at a gala in Marrakesh, Morocco by the Presidents of FIFA, Gianni Infantino and CAF, Patrice Motsepe, with both men handing Lookman the giant award memorabilia.

    An elated Lookman made Nigeria truly proud as he commenced his appreciation remarks by greeting the audience in Yoruba followed by the loud shout of the name of his country. NIGERIA!

    Lookman polled the highest number of votes to defeat rivals like Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams and Serhou Guirassy to win the coveted individual prize for male African footballers.

    The Atalanta and Super Eagles winger had an impressive run in the season under review for both club and country. Lookman scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions last season for Atalanta, which retained its status as one of the best in Serie A.

    This win puts Lookman in the same stead as compatriots like Victor Ikpeba, Rasheed Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo, Victor Osimhe who won the Player of the Year in Africa at various times in their footballing career.

    Apart from his superlative performance for Nigeria at various tournaments within the year, the icing on the cake for Ademola was scoring the hattrick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen that enabled Atalanta to win their first-ever European title.