Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has hailed the exceptional performance of Ademola Lookman following Nigeria’s authoritative 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16. Lookman maintained his sensational form in Morocco, directly contributing to the victory with a clinical goal and a hat-trick of assists against the Mambas.
The 28-year-old Atalanta winger secured his second Man of the Match award of the tournament, cementing his reputation as the competition’s most dangerous creative force.
Bassey, who marshaled the defense to Nigeria’s first clean sheet of the campaign, emphasized the immense quality Lookman brings to the national team. The Fulham center-back noted that while the entire squad performed at an elite level at the Fez Stadium, Lookman’s individual brilliance provided the spark that dismantled the Mozambican defense.
“Yeah, he (Lookman) was good, he was amazing. I think he played with so much quality. You could have singled out any one of the boys,” Bassey told Soccernet.ng during a post-match interview.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently honored Lookman’s consistency by including him in the official Team of the Group Stage, where he stood as the sole representative for Nigeria. His latest masterclass in the knockout phase brings his total goal involvements to eight for the tournament, a tally that leads all other players in the competition. Lookman’s ability to transition rapidly and deliver incisive passes has transformed the Super Eagles into the most prolific attacking unit in Morocco, with the team now totaling 12 goals in just four matches.
Nigeria’s victory sets up a high-profile quarter-final clash against the winner of the Algeria versus DR Congo fixture. As the Super Eagles pursue their fourth continental title, the synergy between Lookman and strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams remains their greatest asset. Head coach Eric Chelle will rely on Lookman’s continued excellence to navigate the upcoming challenges as the tournament moves toward its final stages in Marrakech.
About the Author
