The reigning African Player of the Year has joined the Nigerian camp in high spirits ahead of a critical pair of qualifiers, with the team’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance.
Ademola Lookman has arrived at the Super Eagles camp with a clear mind, choosing to set aside a frustrating summer transfer window to fully focus on Nigeria’s crucial quest to reach the 2026 World Cup.
The 27-year-old forward, who was named Africa’s best player last season, was widely expected to leave Serie A club Atalanta but saw a move fail to materialize before the deadline. Despite the personal setback, Lookman was reported to be in high spirits as he trained with the squad on Wednesday, joining his teammates in intense preparations for Saturday’s must-win qualifier against Rwanda.
The team received a significant boost with a full-strength squad present in Uyo. Lookman was joined by other key stars like Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, all impressing as the three-time African champions left nothing to chance.
The positive mood in the camp was echoed by stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong. “We’re here now, just waiting for the last few players to arrive very shortly,” he told reporters. “The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday.”
He also had a direct message for the passionate Nigerian fans: “I want to thank the fans for their support, and I ask them to continue encouraging us—be there in the stadium on Saturday, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria.”
The gravity of the situation is not lost on the team. With only seven points from their first seven matches, Nigeria sits a disappointing fourth in their qualifying group. A loss this weekend could be catastrophic for their hopes of making it to the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
A victory against second-placed Rwanda, however, could reignite their campaign. The Super Eagles will be looking to repeat their success from the reverse fixture, where a first-half brace from Victor Osimhen secured a 2-0 win.
The pressure doesn’t let up after Saturday. Just three days later, the team travels to South Africa for a daunting clash against the group leaders. After the heartbreak of missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the entire nation is desperate to see its team return to the world’s biggest stage.
Similar Posts:
- Super Eagles Captain William Troost-Ekong Benched for Crucial World Cup Qualifier
- Eric Chelle Unveils First Starting XI as Super Eagles Coach for World Cup Qualifier
- Victor Osimhen Stays Focused: Super Eagles Star Dismisses Transfer Talk After Stellar Performance in Rwanda (video)
- Zimbabwe Coach Taunts Nigeria After Shock Draw: “If We’re Out, So Are You!”
- Super Eagles Land in Uyo for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Amid Transfer Frenzy
