Ademola Lookman, the winger for Super Eagles and Atalanta, has acknowledged feeling the pressure of donning the green and white jersey of Nigeria.
Lookman made the switch in allegiance to Nigeria from England and was FIFA-cleared in 2022 to play for Nigeria at the senior level, having previously represented England at U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels.
The 26-year-old has emerged as one of Nigeria’s standout performers in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, having scored three goals and provided one assist.
His notable goal-scoring performance includes Nigeria’s winner against Angola, marking three goals in his last two matches after netting both goals in the Eagles' last-16 victory over Cameroon.
Lookman's scoring achievements place him among a select group of Nigerian players who have scored three or more goals in the knockout rounds of a single AFCON tournament, joining the likes of Odion Ighalo (2019), Austin Okocha (2004), and Rashidi Yekini (1994).
Speaking to BBC, Lookman expressed, “I feel the pressure wearing this shirt. Every single time I put on the jersey, that’s just what comes with being a Nigerian and playing for the country, so I’m proud to do that, to take that responsibility.”
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