Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman says Nigeria are determined to open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with maximum points against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.<\/p>\n
Lookman acknowledged that both fixtures will present difficult challenges but insisted that the Super Eagles are focused on securing victories in their opening two matches.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole team is looking forward to it. Two very important games are approaching, and the opponents are, of course, difficult to face. But we are looking forward to winning these two games,\u201d Lookman told AS.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that the games will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to achieve it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before taking on Guinea-Bissau four days later.<\/p>\n
The Super Eagles are seeking a strong start after their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigeria\u2019s hopes of reaching the tournament were ended by a penalty-shootout defeat to DR Congo in the CAF playoff final.<\/p>\n
With the disappointment still fresh, Lookman stressed the importance of approaching the AFCON qualifiers with the right mentality.<\/p>\n
Nigeria have remained regular participants at the AFCON since 2017 and have reached at least the semi-finals in each of their last four appearances.<\/p>\n
The three-time African champions finished third in 2019 and 2025, emerged runners-up in 2023 and reached the Round of 16 in 2021.<\/p>\n
At the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Nigeria went unbeaten in regulation and extra time before losing to the hosts on penalties in the semi-final. The Super Eagles later defeated Egypt to claim the bronze medal.<\/p>\n
Lookman has been included in Eric Chelle\u2019s squad for the opening qualifiers and is expected to play a key role in Nigeria\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n
Before joining up with the Super Eagles, however, the Atletico Madrid forward is set to feature in Sunday\u2019s Madrid derby against Real Madrid.<\/p>\n
Lookman has scored once in seven appearances for Atletico this season and will be looking to carry his club form into Nigeria\u2019s opening AFCON qualifying fixtures.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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