Ademola Lookman speaks on Africa’s best status ahead of Rwanda challenge

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman said it is an honor to be Africa’s best player.

The former Everyone forward succeeded compatriot Victor Osimhen as CAF Player of the Year at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, last December.

“It’s a blessing; it’s a pleasure, and most definitely an honor, to be among the people here who have won the award, like my teammate last year, Osimhen, my brother,” the Atalanta winger told NFF TV.

“To be able to be crowned this is a blessing. It’s something I hold with great honor and great respect.”

Lookman is currently with his international teammates in Kigali where they are preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday five encounter against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

The Super Eagles are still searching for their first win in Group C after four matches.

Éric Chelle’s side have recorded three draws and one defeat in the group.

The Atalanta winger declared that they have the quality to beat their hosts.

“Everybody knows the level of the players that we have here. It’s an incredible group of players, and most importantly, they’re good people. Everyone has the same objective – to want to win, and that’s very important,” he added.

“The group is together, very tight-knit, so that’s the winning formula. Everybody’s positive, we’ve had two good training sessions. So we’re looking forward to putting out a great performance.”

The three-time African champions need a win to kickstart their World Cup dreams after gathering three points from a possible 12 in the Qualifiers.

They have failed to make it to the World Cup twice since debuting in 1994, missing out in 2006 and 2022.