Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has set Nigeria a clear target ahead of the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers — victories over both Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria begin their campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Lookman accepts that neither encounter will be straightforward but says the Super Eagles are determined to begin their qualification campaign with maximum points.
“The whole team is looking forward to it. Two very important games are approaching, and the opponents are, of course, difficult to face,” Lookman said.
“But we are looking forward to winning these two games. We know that the games will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to achieve it.”
The Atlético Madrid forward is expected to carry increased attacking responsibility following confirmation that Victor Osimhen will miss both qualifiers while continuing his recovery from a muscle strain.
Osimhen was initially included in Éric Chelle’s squad in the hope that he would recover in time, but the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that the striker remains unavailable.
That leaves Lookman among the established attacking figures Chelle will rely upon as Nigeria attempt to make an immediate statement in Group L.
The Super Eagles are grouped with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania in the qualifying campaign.
For Lookman, however, the immediate calculation is uncomplicated.
Two difficult opponents, two important matches and one target — six points to give Nigeria the start they want on the road to AFCON 2027.
