AFCON 2025: Ademola Lookman matches AFCON 2023 record for Super Eagles in 5 fewer games

Atalanta superstar Ademola Lookman has reached a milestone that perfectly encapsulates his transformation from dangerous attacker to unstoppable force: he's matched his entire AFCON 2023 goal contribution tally in just two matches.

The numbers tell a story of devastating efficiency. At AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, Lookman needed seven matches, six as a starter, to produce three goals and one assist as Nigeria marched to the final. 

Fast forward to Morocco, and the 28-year-old has already equalled those figures with two goals and two assists through just the opening two group stage fixtures.

That's five fewer games to reach the same output, a statistical leap that suggests Nigeria may have an even more lethal version of Lookman operating in their attack this tournament

The evolution is visible in every aspect of Lookman's game. Where he was dangerous in 2023, he's now clinical. Where he created problems, he now dictates entire sequences of play. 

His performance against Tunisia, where he was directly involved in all three Nigerian goals, showed a player operating at the absolute height of his powers.

What makes Lookman's current form particularly ominous for rivals is the trajectory. If he maintains even a fraction of this pace and Nigeria advances deep into the knockout rounds as expected, he's not just on course to surpass his 2023 numbers, he could obliterate them entirely.

The mathematics are straightforward but terrifying for opponents: at his current rate of two goal contributions per match, Lookman would produce 14 by the final if Nigeria goes all the way. Even accounting for tougher opposition and tighter defensive setups in knockout football, the potential ceiling is extraordinary.

"He's evolved from dangerous weapon to unstoppable force," a Super Eagles supporter posted online, capturing the transformation many have observed. "We're watching a player hit his absolute prime at the perfect moment."

That timing may be Nigeria's greatest fortune. While Lookman's rejected transfer request at Atalanta earlier this season raised questions about his focus, he appears to have channeled any frustration into his international performances. 

The result is a player unburdened, confident, and operating with the kind of freedom that produces magical moments.

His chemistry with Victor Osimhen has been particularly noteworthy. The pair's combination play, Lookman assisting Osimhen's opener against Tunisia before Osimhen returning the favor for Lookman's goal, suggests a partnership that could define this tournament for Nigeria.

But perhaps the most encouraging aspect for Super Eagles fans is that Lookman's current form doesn't feel unsustainable or born of momentary inspiration. This appears to be a player who has reached full maturity, understanding exactly how to maximize his abilities within the team structure while maintaining the individual brilliance that makes him special.

The Super Eagles already have their knockout stage ticket secured with one group match remaining. For opponents waiting in the elimination rounds, that's one more game for Lookman to add to his tally before the stakes get even higher.

At this rate, matching his 2023 record was just the beginning. The question now isn't whether Lookman will surpass those numbers, it's by how much, and whether any defence in Morocco can actually stop him.