Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has outlined a uncompromising strategy for Nigeria as they prepare for a monumental 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final showdown against Algeria this Saturday. Both continental heavyweights secured their passage to the final eight following decisive Round of 16 victories, with Nigeria dismantling Mozambique 4-0 and Algeria edging past DR Congo in a tense encounter. Speaking ahead of the match in Marrakesh, the Atalanta forward emphasized that head coach Éric Chelle’s squad must combine physical intensity with tactical sharpness to overcome the 2019 champions.
Lookman, who currently stands as the tournament’s most statistically dominant player with three goals and five assists, believes the team’s mental fortitude will determine the outcome. He urged his teammates to maintain the relentless pressure that has seen Nigeria score a tournament-high 12 goals so far. The winger noted that while Algeria possesses a disciplined defensive unit, the Super Eagles plan to dictate the tempo through proactive play and intelligent movement off the ball.
“Everyone is physically strong,” Lookman said via CAFOnline. “It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.”
The 2024 African Player of the Year contender highlighted that the squad’s objective remains unchanged regardless of the opponent’s pedigree. Nigeria aims to avenge their 2019 semi-final defeat against the Desert Foxes, and Lookman insists that the players are fully prepared for the physical demands of a knockout match of this magnitude. He reiterated that the coaching staff has instilled a winning culture that prioritizes ball retention and aggressive transitions.
“Same mentality from the team,” the Atalanta star added. “Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”
As the Super Eagles settle into their Marrakesh training base, the chemistry between Lookman and striker Victor Osimhen remains a focal point for the Nigerian attack. Lookman’s ability to create chances has been the engine behind Nigeria’s perfect record in Morocco so far, and his leadership on the pitch will be vital against an Algerian side that has conceded only once in the competition. With the semi-finals in sight, the Nigerian delegation remains confident that their current momentum and tactical discipline will propel them toward their fourth continental title.
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