Ademola Lookman says the Super Eagles are determined to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with wins over Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, despite anticipating tough encounters.
“The whole team is looking forward to it. Two very important games are approaching, and the opponents are, of course, difficult to face. But we are looking forward to winning these two games,” Lookman told AS.
“We know that the games will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to achieve it.”
Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before taking on Guinea-Bissau four days later. Lookman emphasised the importance of maintaining the right mentality throughout both matches.
The three-time African champions will be seeking a strong start after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament were ended by a defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final, making a positive start to the AFCON qualifiers even more important.
The Super Eagles have not missed an AFCON tournament since 2017 and have reached at least the semi-finals in each of their last four appearances.
Nigeria finished third in 2019 and 2025, claimed silver in 2023 and reached the Round of 16 in 2021.
At the 2025 tournament in Morocco, Nigeria remained unbeaten in normal and extra time before losing to the hosts on penalties in the semi-final. They later secured bronze after defeating Egypt in the third-place match.
Lookman is part of Eric Chelle’s squad for the opening qualifiers and is expected to play an important role as Nigeria begin their campaign to return to the continental tournament.
The Atletico Madrid forward will first feature against Real Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby before joining the Super Eagles for the international break.
Lookman has scored once in seven appearances for Atletico this season and will be hoping to take his club form into Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers.
