Nigeria's most decisive player in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), Ademola Lookman, has his eyes set on the tournament's biggest gongs.
Lookman has three goals and one assist from five games, and the 26-year-old has been decisive for the Super Eagles in the knockout rounds, scoring both Nigeria goals in the Round-16 against Cameroon and getting the winner in the 1-nil quarterfinals win over Angola.
Lookman, who is coy on accolades, however, revealed to Nigeria Info exclusively, his admiration of them.
“I'm just happy to help the team. We'll see, we'll see in the next game. You know we're through to the semis now. So, next game, we hope to win that one,” he said.
But when asked if he'd be glad to win the awards, he gave a hint with a grin.
“I'm not going to say no. But you know, the team, we're through to the semis," he enthused with a big smile.
Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue is the leading top scorer with five goals, while Gelson Muondo of Angola and Mostafa Muhammed of Egypt are on four goals each.
Their countries have all been eliminated though, leaving room for Lookman to continue his charge.
The striker relishes playing in the Nigeria front three, alongside Victor Osihmen and Moses Simon, who have both contributed to his three goals so far.
"Yeah you know they are strong players. Strong strong top players,” he said.
“You know everybody has their strong characteristics and you know we all merge together, very well. Yeah, I'm happy to play with them.”
He admitted he has had to put in defensive shifts because the team is set out in a defensive structure.
“The team and the mindset of the team is to defend and attack together. You know that's been clear and evident,” he concluded.
Lookman has been in fantastic form this season for club and country. He has seven goals and three assists this season for Atalanta BC in the Italian Serie A.
