AFCON 2025: Lookman makes bold promise to Nigerians, Super Eagles fans

Ademola Lookman has been one of the most electric players in European football, and he's bringing that form and self-belief to Morocco. This is confidence, not arrogance, and Nigeria needs both right now.

Nigerian fans remember what happened when he delivered on big promises before, and they're ready to see if lightning can strike twice on the continental stage.

The 28-year-old former African Player of the Year was asked in a video if fans will get the Lookman they know, the forward who helped Nigeria reach the 2023 final in Cote d'Ivoire. Here's what he had to say:

"Yeah," he responded shyly, before adding: "It's been a difficult time, but positive feelings, positive thoughts. So, yeah, looking forward to it."

That brief response carries significant weight. Lookman one of the favourites for AFCON 2025 MVP has managed just four goal contributions in 16 games this season for Atalanta across all competitions following his return to the team after his summer transfer saga and subsequent suspension.

It's been a frustrating few months for the former Europa League hero. Two seasons after his historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen that crowned him African Footballer of the Year, Lookman endured a difficult period at club level.

His form dipped, playing time became inconsistent, and questions started swirling about whether he could rediscover his magic.

But now, with AFCON on the horizon, Lookman is projecting the kind of quiet confidence that suggests he's found his rhythm again.

Recent performances for Atalanta have shown glimpses of the player who terrorised defences last season, scoring in consecutive games and reminding everyone why he's rated so highly.

In the last AFCON, Lookman was sensational. He contributed four goals in six starts to inspire the Super Eagles all the way to the final, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast.

His performances were electric, full of pace, trickery, and decisive moments when Nigeria needed them most.

He was named in the Team of the Tournament, and many felt he was unlucky not to win the Player of the Tournament award. That campaign launched him into the stratosphere, setting the stage for his Europa League heroics months later.

Now Nigeria is banking on him to do it again. The Super Eagles have the squad, the experience, and the motivation to go all the way this time. What they need is their stars to deliver when it matters, and Lookman knows that the spotlight is firmly on him.

Nigeria hasn't won AFCON since 2013. Twelve years is a long drought for a nation with such a rich football history.

The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their opener against Tanzania kicks off Tuesday evening at 6:30pm Nigerian time at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

For Lookman, this tournament is about redemption, legacy, and proving that his rise to the top of African football wasn't a fluke.

He's ready. The question is whether the rest of the continent is ready for what he's about to bring.