Super Eagles' Ademola Lookman has switched focus to helping Nigeria qualify for the FIFA World Cup after he was named CAF Player of the Year.
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, fresh off his recent victory as the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, has shifted his focus towards helping Nigeria secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 27-year-old Atalanta forward expressed his determination to contribute to the Super Eagles' qualification efforts following the most significant recognition of his career yet in Morocco.
20:32 - 17.12.2024
Africa's finest snubbed as FIFA name Men and Women’s World XI for 2024
There was no space for Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman on the FIFA World XI, despite being named the CAF African Footballer of the Year recently
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports
13:15 - 17.12.2024
Ademola Lookman: Van Dijk, Super Eagles and Super Falcons stars congratulate CAF POTY winner
The newly-crowned African best has already been congratulated by some of the biggest names in world football.
Lookman’s outstanding performances over the past year, which included a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, led him to be named Africa’s best player, succeeding teammate Victor Osimhen.
However, despite this personal achievement, Lookman is acutely aware of the challenges facing the national team.
Currently, Nigeria sits fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers, having managed only three points from four matches and struggling to find form under two different managers, Jose Peseiro and Finidi George.
With the next round of qualifiers approaching in March 2025, Lookman emphasised the importance of upcoming matches.
In a video posted by the Super Eagles on X.com, after the Player of the Year win, he stated;
“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. So, you know what, we will focus on this in March. So, look forward to it.”
The Super Eagles have faced difficulties in their qualifying campaign, yet Lookman believes that his recent award can serve as a catalyst for change within the team.
His hope is that winning the CAF Player of the Year will inspire a turnaround in Nigeria’s World Cup race, starting with another clash against Rwanda.
Lookman’s leadership and experience will be vital. His commitment to the national team and desire to succeed on the world stage reflect his aspirations not only for himself but also for his teammates and supporters who are keen to see Nigeria return to the global showpiece after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.