Lookman eyeing AFCON qualification with double-header against Guinea-Bissau

Ademola Lookman. Photo: AFP

Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, has said the upcoming double-header qualifiers for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Guinea-Bissau present the super Eagles with the opportunity to take a step closer to securing another appearance at the continental football showpiece in Cote d’Ivoire next year.

Nigeria currently tops Group A with two wins from two matches against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe last year.

Lookman, who opened his international goal account in the 10-0 thrashing of the Island nation, switched allegiance from England to the three-time African champions before the 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana last year.

Speaking with the NFF media on Wednesday ahead of the first game against the fellow West African nation this Friday at the MKO Abiola national stadium in Abuja where the Eagles are camping, the 25-year-old said he and his teammates are looking forward to a big game.

“Looking forward to another big game for us in the qualification for the AFCON, and yeah, another big opportunity for us to get closer to that,” he said.

The former Leicester City player experienced a goal-laden first half in the Italian Serie A this season, netting 12 goals so far. He promised to bring his scoring boots to the game against Nigeria’s opponents.

“It’s nice to score goals which I’ve been doing and I look to hopefully take that into the team here and keep working hard,” the former RB Leipzig star said optimistically.

“It’s about the team winning and also about us here qualifying for AFCON which to me and every one of my team-mates is the most important thing,” he added.

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