CAF Awards 2024: Ademola Lookman shifts Nigeria focus to World Cup qualification

By Monsurah Olatunji

Reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has turned his attention to helping Nigeria secure a spot in the next FIFA World Cup and win the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The 27-year-old Atalanta forward expressed his commitment to these goals after receiving the Best Men’s Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards.

Despite his individual success, Lookman emphasized the importance of collective achievement, particularly for Nigeria, who are currently struggling in their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Nigeria sits fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, having accumulated just three points from four matches. With the next round of qualifiers set for March 2025, the Super Eagles are facing a challenging path to secure a place in the global tournament, after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In a video posted by the Super Eagles on X, Lookman expressed his determination to help Nigeria return to the World Cup stage.

“We know the importance of our next upcoming games definitely; we want the same goal, which is to qualify for the World Cup – to be there,” Lookman said. “So, you know what, we will focus on this in March. So, look forward to it.”

Lookman’s recent award, he believes, can act as a catalyst for change and motivate the team to improve their performance as they strive for World Cup qualification and success at AFCON.