‘We are nowhere near our targets yet’ - Super Eagles star fires warning to Mozambique

Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman has sent a warning to the Mambas of Mozambique ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 clash.

Nigeria are confident of booking a place in the quarter-finals for the 18th time when they face Mozambique in Monday night’s Round of 16 encounter at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

The Super Eagles remain the most decorated side in the history of Africa’s flagship football tournament, boasting three titles, five silver medals, and eight bronze finishes across the competition’s 69-year history.

Nigeria’s attacking spearhead, Ademola Lookman, who has already registered two goals and two assists, was named in the Best XI of the Group Phase.

The former African Player of the Year was quick to shift focus back to the team’s larger ambition.

“Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all who voted,” Lookman said via theNFF.com

“The selection is not just for me, but for my entire teammates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection.

“However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet,” he added.

Monday’s clash against the Mambas of Mozambique, who are competing in the knockout phase for the first time in their history, is expected to be fiercely contested.

Both head coaches, Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Chiquinho Conde of Mozambique have chosen to keep tactical details closely guarded.

Nigeria arrive at the fixture in impressive form, having recorded three wins from three matches in the group stage, scoring eight goals and conceding four.

However, Mozambique finished third in their group, a scenario that evokes memories of Tunisia’s shock elimination of Nigeria at the same stage in Garoua four years ago.