Lookman sets the standard at AFCON 2025

Ademola Lookman has once again underlined his importance to Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco.

The Atalanta forward is emerging as one of the tournament’s defining figures, combining decisive goals with match-winning composure as the Super Eagles charge into the knockout stages.

According to Opta, Lookman has now been directly involved in eight goals across nine AFCON matches over the last two editions of the tournament, five goals and three assists, more than any other player in that period.

Lookman’s AFCON journey began at the delayed 2021 tournament, played in 2022, where Nigeria exited early in the round of 16.

His true breakthrough came at AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast. Lookman scored three goals, including a memorable brace against Cameroon in the round of 16 and the winning goal against Angola in the quarter-finals.

At AFCON 2025, Lookman has picked up seamlessly from where he left off. In Nigeria’s opening Group C match on December 23, he scored the decisive second goal in a 2–1 victory over Tanzania after Semi Ajayi opened the scoring.

Four days later, he delivered again in a dramatic 3–2 win against Tunisia. After goals from Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi had given Nigeria control, Tunisia mounted a comeback.

Lookman’s calm finish in the 67th minute proved decisive, sealing maximum points and confirming Nigeria’s place at the top of Group C with six points from two matches.