Lookman Prioritizes Team Success Over AFCON Golden Boot Hopes

Ademola Lookman has sent a clear message to his competitors and fans alike: individual glory means nothing compared to bringing the AFCON 2025 trophy back to Nigeria. Despite emerging as a frontrunner for the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Golden Boot awards, the 28-year-old winger remains firmly grounded. Speaking in the wake of Nigeria’s dominant 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in the Round of 16, Lookman insisted that his primary focus is the collective success of the Super Eagles.

The Atalanta star has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament in Morocco, justifying his place in the CAF Group Stage Best XI. With three goals and five assists already to his name, Lookman has directly contributed to eight of Nigeria’s 12 goals—the highest tally of any player currently in the competition. While he trails Morocco’s Brahim Diaz by a single goal in the scoring charts, Lookman’s overall impact on Coach Éric Chelle’s tactical setup has made him arguably the most influential player of the tournament so far.

“Personally, I’m just thinking about the team,” Lookman said during a post-match interview in Fes. He brushed aside questions regarding his pursuit of individual honors, emphasizing that the victory over the Mambas was a “big performance” that validated the team’s hard work. For Lookman, the significance of the win lies in the momentum it provides as Nigeria prepares for a heavyweight quarter-final clash against either Algeria or the DR Congo on Saturday.

The match against Mozambique showcased the terrifying synergy within the Nigerian attack. Lookman opened the scoring in the 20th minute and later turned provider, setting up Victor Osimhen for a brace before Akor Adams sealed the result. Despite a momentary on-field disagreement with Osimhen over a missed passing opportunity in the second half, Lookman was quick to downplay any internal rift. He described Osimhen as the team’s “number one guy” and noted that such heated moments are simply a byproduct of the intense hunger and passion driving the squad toward the title.

Lookman’s selfless attitude has resonated deeply with the Nigerian supporters, who have lauded his work rate and lack of ego. As the Super Eagles chase their fourth continental crown, having won all four of their matches so far, the winger’s “team-first” philosophy is being seen as a vital ingredient in the squad’s chemistry. “I play for the badge and my teammates; assists or goals, the team comes first,” he reiterated, signaling that he is more than happy to trade personal accolades for a winner’s medal in the final on January 18.

As the tournament moves into its business end, Lookman’s statistics remain staggering, but his eyes are set on the horizon. Nigeria is now just three wins away from glory, and if the former Everton man continues to prioritize the badge over the headlines, he may well end up with both the team trophy and the individual honors he claims not to seek. For now, the “Super” in the Eagles’ attack seems to stem from a unity that Lookman is determined to protect at all costs.