Lookman shrugs off transfer disappointment to focus on Nigeria’s World Cup push

Nigeria’s hopes of reviving their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign received a boost on Wednesday as Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, joined training in Uyo ahead of Saturday’s crunch clash with Rwanda.

The 27-year-old forward arrived in camp following a frustrating end to his summer transfer saga. Strongly linked with a move away from Serie A side Atalanta, Lookman had expressed a desire to leave, but a deal failed to materialise before the window closed. Despite the setback, he looked sharp and upbeat in training, underlining his commitment to the Super Eagles’ cause.

Full House in Uyo, Nigeria

Lookman trained alongside the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey as Nigeria’s camp filled up with all 23 invited players. The session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium provided head coach Eric Chelle with a full complement of options ahead of two defining fixtures.

Stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong stressed the importance of focus and unity.

“The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday,” he told reporters. “I want to thank the fans for their support, and I ask them to continue encouraging us, be there in the stadium on Saturday, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria.”

Troost-Ekong, who returned to the squad after an injury layoff, added:

“It’s going to be an important set of games for us. We know the gravity of this game, and we’ll remain focused on our preparation, because that’s what will give us confidence for the match.”

Related Article: World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Open Camp in Uyo as Rwanda Arrive Tuesday

Group C Picture

Nigeria’s campaign so far has been rocky. With just seven points from seven matches, the Super Eagles are in fourth place in Group C, six points behind leaders South Africa.

• South Africa: 13 points
• Rwanda: 8 points
• Benin Republic: 8 points
• Nigeria: 7 points
• Lesotho: 6 points
• Zimbabwe: 4 points

Victory over Rwanda, who currently occupy second place, is crucial if Nigeria are to reignite their qualification hopes. The memory of Osimhen’s first-half brace in the 2-0 win against the Wasps in their previous meeting may provide encouragement.

Three days after facing Rwanda in Uyo, the Eagles will travel to Bloemfontein to take on Bafana Bafana in a top-of-the-table clash that could make or break their campaign.

A Quest for Redemption

The Super Eagles are under pressure to return to the biggest stage after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Ghana edged them out in the play-offs on away goals. For a footballing nation of Nigeria’s stature, with six previous World Cup appearances, another absence would be seen as a major failure.

Lookman’s form and mentality could prove vital. The Atalanta winger was Nigeria’s standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals en route to the final, and his energy in the wide areas has been a constant asset. For the player himself, the upcoming fixtures also provide an outlet to move past his stalled club transfer and show why Europe’s top clubs continue to monitor him.

What’s Next

Nigeria vs Rwanda kicks off on Saturday, September 6, at 5 p.m. local time in Uyo. The Super Eagles then face South Africa on Tuesday, September 9, in Bloemfontein. With qualification hopes hanging by a thread, these two matches could decide whether Nigeria’s World Cup dream lives or dies.