Ademola Lookman says the Super Eagles are targeting victories in their opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as Nigeria begins its campaign for a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Lookman reveals Super Eagles target
Lookman has made it clear that Nigeria does not want to settle for a cautious start to the qualifying campaign.
The Atletico Madrid forward said the squad understands the difficulty of the two matches but is determined to win both fixtures.
“The whole team is looking forward to it. Two very important games are approaching, and the opponents are, of course, difficult to face. But we are looking forward to winning these two games.”
He added that the players would do everything possible to achieve their objective, highlighting the importance of maintaining the right mentality throughout the two matches.
That approach will be particularly important after Nigeria’s failure to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles were beaten by DR Congo in the CAF playoff final, leaving qualification for the 2027 AFCON as another major competitive target.
[Internal Link: Nigeria’s latest Super Eagles squad news]
Nigeria names strong squad for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
Head coach Éric Chelle has selected a 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers, with Lookman among the attacking players expected to carry significant responsibility.
Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are also part of the squad. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina have returned, while Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena are among the players receiving opportunities in the senior setup.
The squad gives Chelle several attacking options, although Nigeria’s plans have suffered a late setback with Osimhen ruled out of the two qualifiers while recovering from a muscle strain.
Osimhen’s absence increases the importance of Lookman and the other forwards in Chelle’s plans.
Lookman’s Atletico Madrid form adds another storyline
Lookman arrives for international duty after adapting to a different role at Atletico Madrid.
The Nigerian has been used across three positions this season, including centrally and as a supporting striker, rather than exclusively on his preferred left wing. He has described the experience as a learning process that can make him a more complete player.
His versatility could therefore be useful to Chelle, particularly with Osimhen unavailable for the September fixtures.
Before joining the Super Eagles, Lookman is scheduled to feature for Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby against Real Madrid on September 20.
[Internal Link: Ademola Lookman’s latest Atletico Madrid update]
Super Eagles cannot afford another slow start
Nigeria’s recent competitive history gives the upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers added significance.
The Super Eagles reached the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and eventually claimed the bronze medal. Their only defeat in normal time came against the hosts in the semi-final, with Morocco advancing after a penalty shootout.
Nigeria will now attempt to turn that continental experience into a strong qualifying campaign.
Madagascar will provide the first test in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau will offer a very different challenge away from home four days later.
Chelle has also selected a separate squad for Nigeria’s October friendly against Russia, meaning the coach has clearly prioritised the September qualifiers as the immediate competitive assignment.
[External Source: CAF official Super Eagles squad announcement]
Key highlights
- Lookman wants Nigeria to win both opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- Nigeria faces Madagascar in Uyo on September 25.
- The Super Eagles travel to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
- Victor Osimhen will miss both matches while recovering from injury.
- Éric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the qualifiers.
- Lookman has been playing in multiple attacking positions for Atletico Madrid.
Conclusion
The Lookman Super Eagles target is straightforward: Nigeria wants maximum results from its opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
With Osimhen unavailable, Lookman and Nigeria’s other attacking options could have an even greater role to play. The Super Eagles will first face Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau, with Chelle’s team aiming to establish early momentum in the qualification race.
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