Ademola Lookman’s AFCON 2025 has gone from strong to historic, and former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba believes Nigeria are witnessing a player built for the biggest stage.
After Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, Lookman once again stood at the heart of everything good about the Super Eagles, combining end product with creativity, confidence and control.
?? Ademola Lookman is the first player to provide 4 assists at an AFCON since ?? Didier Drogba in 2008.
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 9, 2026
Can he add to it in tomorrow’s quarter-final? ? pic.twitter.com/0mJGRu5ePl
Tournament Player
Ikpeba was quick to point out that Lookman’s form in Morocco did not arrive by accident. After a difficult spell earlier in the season, both on and off the pitch, the Atalanta forward has rediscovered his rhythm when Nigeria have needed it most.
“He had his problems in the summer with Atalanta when the season started, and we know players can suffer when they have a lot of off-the-field issues,” Ikpeba said.
“But now he’s really back in form. It just shows he’s a tournament player, a player ready for the big games.”
Lookman has carried that reputation into AFCON 2025, playing with belief and authority in every match so far.
Elite Company
Through four games, Lookman has recorded three goals and four assists, making him the tournament’s leading creator and one of its most productive attackers overall. He currently sits top of the assist charts and is second in the goalscoring race, behind only Brahim Diaz.
That fourth assist placed him in elite AFCON company.
“For him to be the first since Didier Drogba to get four assists at an AFCON speaks for itself,” Ikpeba added. “But he also has three goals too. He’s been a complete player so far.”
Confidence, Technique and Total Impact
Beyond the raw numbers, Ikpeba highlighted the qualities that have made Lookman so difficult to stop. His willingness to take on defenders, his movement between the lines and his decision-making in the final third have consistently opened games up for Nigeria.
“It’s beautiful to see how he plays with so much belief and technique. He’s taking on defenders and creating chances for his teammates.”
Against Mozambique, Lookman combined a goal with two assists, earning Man of the Match honours and underlining his influence in Nigeria’s most dominant display of the tournament.
"A big thank you to Lookman especially!" ?
— Bet9ja: The home of #betBOOM! ? (@Bet9jaOfficial) January 8, 2026
How the fans reacted to the @NGSuperEagles win over Mozambique… pic.twitter.com/ESwrTNfFqn
What Comes Next?
With Nigeria now set to face Algeria in the quarter-finals, Ikpeba believes Lookman’s story at AFCON 2025 is far from finished.
“The sky is the limit for him. He’s only 28, so even after this tournament he will still play at another Nations Cup and could break more records.”
Sadio Mané became the top assist provider in Africa Cup of Nations history with his ninth assist, surpassing Yaya Touré on seven. Lookman has four in this tournament alone, adding to his one last time. If his current form continues, Lookman may not just define Nigeria’s AFCON run, but the tournament itself.
