By Amaechi Agbo
Athletico Madrid and Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman believes the team are determined to win their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau this week
The former Africa Footballer of the Year acknowledged although both opponents would provide difficult tests but said the Super Eagles are focused on securing maximum points from the two fixtures.
“The 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,” Lookman told AS.
“We know that the games will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to achieve it,” the Atletico Madrid forward added.
Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before hosting Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Super Eagles are seeking a positive start to their campaign after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria were defeated by DR Congo in the CAF playoff final, ending their hopes of reaching the tournament.
The three-time African champions have not missed the Africa Cup of Nations since 2017 and have reached at least the semi-finals at each of the last four editions.
Nigeria finished third at the 2019 and 2025 tournaments, while they were runners-up in 2023 and reached the Round of 16 in 2021.
At the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, Nigeria went through the tournament without losing in normal or extra time before being eliminated by the hosts on penalties in the semi-final.
The Super Eagles subsequently defeated Egypt in the third-place play-off to claim the bronze medal.
Lookman has been included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the opening qualifiers and is expected to play an important role as Nigeria begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 tournament.
Before joining up with the Super Eagles, however, the Atletico Madrid forward is scheduled to face Real Madrid in Sunday’s Madrid derby.
Lookman has scored once in seven appearances for Atletico this season and will hope to carry his club form into Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers.
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