Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-06 06:04:12
Ademola Lookman has emerged as the star of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final run, outshining Victor Osimhen by scoring all of their goals in the knockout stage. While Osimhen, the reigning African footballer of the year, has not scored since the Super Eagles’ opening 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, Lookman has shone, securing a brace in the 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the last 16 and following it up with the lone goal in the 1-0 win against Angola in the quarter-finals. With Osimhen questionable for their next match against South Africa due to an abdominal problem, Nigeria may rely heavily on Lookman to continue his stellar run.
Most analysis of Nigeria’s performance at the tournament has centered around Osimhen’s lack of goals and the tactics employed by coach Jose Peseiro, who has emphasized the importance of not conceding. Peseiro has made it clear that the team’s strategy revolves around preventing goals and staying strong defensively, with the belief that they will score at least one.
Despite the impressive depth of Nigeria’s attacking options, Lookman has made it impossible for Peseiro to drop him, even with players like Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ahmed Musa available on the bench. Lookman’s inclusion in the starting lineup was due, in part, to an injury that ruled out Victor Boniface just before the start of the AFCON, but his performances have made it clear that he deserves his place.
There is a sense of unity and determination within the Nigerian team as they aim for their fourth Cup of Nations title. Lookman highlighted the team’s strong work ethic, defensive commitment, and attacking prowess, stating that they are all pulling in the same direction.
Lookman was not part of Nigeria’s previous AFCON campaign, but he has found success after switching allegiances from England to Nigeria in 2022. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Lookman chose to represent Nigeria, making his debut in a World Cup qualifying play-off against Ghana and never looking back. His decision has paid off, and he has flourished at international level, especially since moving to Atalanta in Italy in 2022 and scoring 15 goals in his first season with the club.
Under the guidance of his club manager Gian Piero Gasperini, Lookman has developed a defensive role that also allows him to contribute to the team’s attack. His success with Atalanta has translated into consistent performances for the Nigerian national team, and he hopes to add the AFCON title to the Under-20 World Cup winner’s medal he earned with England in 2017.
As Lookman and Nigeria prepare to face South Africa in the semi-finals of the AFCON, his recent performances have made it clear that he will be a key player in their pursuit of glory at the tournament. His ability to continue scoring and leading the line will be crucial for the Super Eagles as they aim to secure their place in the final and potentially win the title.
