"No pressure" – Ademola Lookman confident as Super Eagles rely on his hot form for World Cup push

Atalanta's Ademola Lookman remains unfazed by the pressure as he rejoins Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the first time since being named Player of the Year, with the team eyeing a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign against Rwanda in Kigali.

Speaking after the team's second training session in Kigali, the forward dismissed any notion of pressure following his recent achievement as Africa's best player.

“No pressure at all. I’m just happy to be back with the squad, with the guys,” Lookman said in a video shared by Nigerian journalist Ojbsports on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ve got a big task ahead of us, and we’re looking forward to it.”

That "big task" is reigniting Nigeria's World Cup ambitions, and Lookman’s electric form could be the spark they need.

Related Article: Meet Ademola Lookman: From England youth to AFCON star

The 27-year-old has been in superb form for Atalanta, netting 18 goals and registering six assists in 32 matches across all competitions this season. His pace, flair, and clinical finishing earned him the CAF Player of the Year award, narrowly beating fierce competition.

Now, under new coach Eric Chelle, Lookman’s return comes at a crucial time as the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in Kigali—two matches that could shape their journey to the 2026 tournament.

Nigeria’s recent World Cup hopes have been dashed, including their absence from the 2022 World Cup following a shocking playoff loss to Ghana.

However, Lookman’s arrival marks a turning point. His ability to unlock defences and deliver when it counts could provide the inspiration this squad needs. Paired with stars like Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen, Lookman will be part of a potent attacking force Chelle hopes will overwhelm their Group C rivals.

For a nation eager to restore its footballing pride, Lookman’s “no pressure” mindset and blazing form may just be the key to turning World Cup dreams into reality.