Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-16 16:24:32
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, after returning to his club Atalanta in Italy, took to social media to assure Nigerians that the team will bounce back from their loss against Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Lookman expressed gratitude for the love and support from the fans.
In the final match, William Troost-Ekong put the Super Eagles 1-0 up, but Ivory Coast equalised through Franck Kessie with an assist from Simon Adingra, who also set up Sebastian Haller’s winning goal. Lookman and his teammates fell short in the final, but he emphasized that they gave everything and will return stronger in the future.
Lookman, who earned a spot in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best XI players of the 2023 AFCON alongside Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina, conveyed his appreciation for the fans’ support and congratulated the hosts, Ivory Coast, and Sebastian Haller for their victory, referring to the forward as an inspiration to all. He concluded his message by saying, “God bless Naija.”
During the 2023 AFCON, Lookman stood out as one of the top-performing Super Eagles players, contributing crucial goals to the Nigerian national team. His impressive performances at the tournament marked a significant achievement in his international career, especially after switching his allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022.
Lookman’s commitment and dedication to the Super Eagles’ cause were evident throughout the tournament, and his contributions on the field did not go unnoticed. Despite the disappointing outcome in the final, Lookman’s reassurance to fans and his unwavering belief in the team’s ability to rise from the defeat reflect his positive mindset and determination to succeed in future competitions.
As the Super Eagles regroup and refocus following their AFCON campaign, Lookman’s words serve as a source of encouragement for both the team and the fans. The forward’s message embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, highlighting the team’s unwavering commitment to strive for success in future tournaments.
Looking ahead, with players like Lookman dedicated to the team’s success, the Super Eagles have the potential to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger than ever. The experience gained from their AFCON journey, coupled with the talent and determination within the squad, will undoubtedly contribute to their future success on the international stage. Ademola Lookman’s message reflects the Super Eagles’ collective mindset to learn from defeat and come back stronger, embodying the spirit of resilience and optimism that defines the team.
