Gernot Rohr has praised Ademola Lookman but does not want to see him score again against Benin Republic.
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has emerged as one of the brightest stars in African football, garnering significant attention ahead of Nigeria's crucial AFCON qualifier against Benin Republic.
Gernot Rohr, head coach of the Benin national team and a former Nigerian coach, has expressed high praise for Lookman ahead of the encounter.
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Gernot Rohr is looking forward to another important clash between his Benin Republic and the Super Eagles.
The Franco-German has described the Atalanta star as the best and favourite for the 2024 CAF Awards.
“For me, Lookman is the best one in Africa to win the golden award for the footballer of the year; he is a fantastic player,” he said per Nations Sports.
Rohr’s admiration for Lookman is well-founded. The 27-year-old winger has had a remarkable year, contributing significantly to both his club, Atalanta, and the Nigerian national team.
His standout performances include a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final, which helped Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy.
This achievement has not only elevated his status in club football but has also made him a strong contender for prestigious accolades, including the African Player of the Year award.
Despite Rohr's respect for Lookman's talents, he playfully hopes that the winger will not find the back of the net against his team on Thursday, especially after Lookman's two goals in their last encounter, which resulted in a 3-0 victory for Nigeria.
“But I hope he will not score against us (on Thursday) like he did in the last game in Uyo,” Rohr remarked.
Lookman’s rise to prominence has been marked by his dynamic playing style and impressive statistics this season.
He has already made significant contributions with three goals and two assists, further solidifying his reputation as one of Africa's top talents.
His inclusion in the 2024 Ballon d'Or rankings as the only African nominee underscores his exceptional year and growing influence on the international stage.
As Nigeria approaches their match against Benin Republic, Lookman’s form and ability will be crucial for the Super Eagles' quest to secure qualification for AFCON 2025.
With Rohr acknowledging the threat he poses, all eyes will be on Lookman to see if he can continue his scoring streak by leading the Eagles to victory against the Cheetahs.