A Fresh Start for Nigeria’s World Cup Quest

Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF Player of the Year, has expressed his confidence in the Super Eagles’ future under new head coach Eric Chelle. The 27-year-old forward, fresh off a UEFA Europa League triumph, believes the squad is adapting well to Chelle’s tactical approach.

Having arrived in Kigali alongside William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Alex Iwobi, Lookman is focused on Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Friday. After the team’s second training session, he shared his optimism.

“No pressure at all,” Lookman told Sportsblog247.com. “I’m just happy to be back with the squad. We’ve had multiple meetings about the manager’s tactics—how we attack, defend, and approach the game. Everyone is buying into his ideas, and the energy is positive.”

Lookman missed Nigeria’s last encounter with Rwanda due to injury, a match that ended in a disappointing 2-1 defeat for the Super Eagles in Uyo. However, he is determined to help the team turn things around.

With back-to-back must-win qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Nigeria must step up to revive their World Cup hopes. The first challenge comes on March 21 in Kigali, followed by a home clash against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on March 25.