Lookman: ‘We Are Not Here for Individual Honours’ as Super Eagles Face Mozambique In AFCON 2025 Round Of 16

Ademola Lookman has made it clear that Nigeria’s mission at the Africa Cup of Nations is not about personal accolades but collective glory.

The immediate past African Player of the Year, who has already contributed two goals and two assists in Morocco, was named in the Best IX of the group phase but quickly shifted focus back to the team’s bigger ambitions.

‘Yeah, we had a great run in the group stage and I am thankful to all that voted. The selection is not just for me, but my entire team-mates, because their efforts on the pitch contributed to my selection. However, this is not the vision for our team. We have set targets to accomplish here in Morocco and we are nowhere near our targets yet,’ he said.

Nigeria now stand on the threshold of history as they prepare to face Mozambique in the Round of 16 at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

CAF has confirmed that victory will secure the Super Eagles their 12th quarter-final ticket, extending their remarkable record in the competition. With three titles, five runner-up finishes, and eight bronze medals, Nigeria remain the most decorated team in AFCON history.

The Super Eagles have reached the quarter-finals 11 times since the stage was introduced in 1992, failing only once in 2021. In fact, every time they have cleared the Round of 16, they have gone on to claim a medal.

The only three occasions they missed the last eight were at their debut in Ghana in 1963, in Libya in 1982, and in Cameroon four years ago. Ghana 2008 remains the only time they exited at the quarter-final stage.

Monday’s clash against the history-making Mambas, who are in the knockout phase for the first time, promises to be a tense and tactical battle.

Coaches Eric Chelle and Chiquinho Conde have kept their strategies close to the chest, but Nigeria’s group-stage dominance, three wins, eight goals scored, and four conceded, has already earned Chelle the mantle of ‘Coach of the Group Phase.’

With Lookman’s insistence on team-first mentality, Victor Osimhen’s firepower, and the return of key men like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Lookman himself, Nigeria are primed to chase their 12th quarter-final appearance and keep alive their quest for a fourth continental crown.