“No pressure” – Ademola Lookman declares Rwanda’s downfall in Kigali

By Monsurah Olatunji

Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s newly crowned CAF Player of the Year, has declared that there is no pressure on the Super Eagles to beat Rwanda in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, despite the mounting risks to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

With Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations hanging by a thread following a shocking loss to Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoffs, the Super Eagles have struggled in the ongoing qualifiers.

After four matches, they remain winless with three losses and a single draw, sitting in a disappointing fifth place in Group C.

However, Lookman, who has been in outstanding form for his club Atalanta with 18 goals and six assists in 32 appearances this season, remains unphased by the pressure.

This will be his first appearance for Nigeria since winning the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award, and many are hoping his form will spark a revival in the Super Eagles’ World Cup bid.

Speaking to OJB Sports after Nigeria’s second training session in Kigali, Lookman emphasized that he is not feeling the weight of expectations.

“No pressure. I am just glad to be back with the squad, the guys,” Lookman said in a video shared by Nigerian journalist Ojbsports on X.

“We have a big task ahead of us and we are looking forward to it.”

The 27-year-old forward also highlighted the positive atmosphere in the camp, with the team fully committed to the tactical instructions of new head coach Eric Chelle.

“We’ve had loads of meetings on how the manager wants us to play—our game plan, aspects of how we defend and attack. It’s all positive, and we’re all keying into his ideas,” Lookman added.

For a nation yearning to reclaim its footballing pride, Lookman’s calm and determined demeanor could be the catalyst to inspire a much-needed victory.

With the Super Eagles desperately needing a win to keep their World Cup dreams alive, Lookman’s confidence and leadership will be critical as they take on Rwanda on Friday.