Atalanta of Italy winger Ademola Lookman has enjoyed regular playing times in the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan, Cote d’ Ivoire.
The winger has started two games against Equatorial Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire while he came on as a substitute for Moses Simon in the last Group A game against Guinea Bissau.
Yet the 26-year-old forward believes the quality in the team is very high, thereby making the team more competitive.
“It’s always been competitive. The quality in the team is very high. Every position in the team is very competitive and I think it very clear to see,” Lookman told Nationsport.
Lookman made his debut for Nigeria on 25 March 2022, in their scoreless draw with Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Abuja. And ever since, he has been an integral part of the team.
The former Charlton Athletics stressed he was ready to help the team to achieve success at the tournament.
“I think it is not about me personally and it about the team. So, I will do my best to help the team. Whatever I can do to help the team, I try to do it,” Lookman told Nationsport.
Nigeria garnered seven points from possible nine in the group A to finish second behind group leaders, Equatorial Guinea, who top the group on goal difference.
The former Leicester city star said the unity in the team has been helping them to get the results.
“The team is very much together and I think we saw it in our games. I think we will get stronger together as the time goes on,” he added.
Despite the team’s qualification to the next round, the team’s attacking force has not been effective, scoring only two goals in three matches.
But the situation is not a source of worry for Lookman as long as the team is getting results.
“Two wins in three games with a draw isn’t a bad start for us. Also, I think we defended well and we won our games. As a group, I know we can do better in our attack. We won games and as time goes on, we will get better,” Lookman said.
Nigeria will face Cameroon tomorrow in the round of 16 encounter and Lookman said the team will work hard to get a good result in the encounter.
He said: “We will continue to do what we have been doing that is working for us. We will keep working hard as a group together and continue in this way.
“We believe in ourselves, we believe in each other, we got each other back and that is very important.
“We are going to be prepared like we did in our last game. The same intensity and the same fighting spirit. We are looking forward to the game.”
Lookman, however, re-affirmed that the team’s target is to lift the trophy in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I think everybody knows that the slogan is “let’s do it again” and we are working towards that. We are taking it game by game and we are always looking forward to the next game,” he stressed.
Nigerian fans have been part of the team’s success since the Super Eagles started their campaign in Abidjan and Lookman understands how important their support is to the team.
“We appreciate their support and keep sending your positive prayers. We feel your message and we need them. Thank you for the support,” he noted.
Super Eagles’ second game against Cote d’ Ivoire game was a tough duel and Lookman said the team worked like Trojans to seal the victory.
“It was a big victory and we worked for the three points. As a team, we worked together and we are very strong which is very important.”
Lookman is also integral part of Coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta and he helps the team sit at 5th place on the Serie A table.
Speaking about his performance for the club, he said: “It’s been good. I’m working hard and working to improve every day and it’s been good.”
Born in England to Nigerian parents, but Lookman chose to plays for Nigeria.
“I’m here in AFCON to represent my country and I’m very proud of that. I’m very focused and that’s the target now,” he revealed.
On his parents’ feelings about his AFCON participation, he responded: “I don’t know what their feelings are now but I’m proud to represent my country and fight for my country.”
