'No pressure' - Lookman declares as Super Eagles lean on his red-hot form for World Cup revival

Ademola Lookman, the newly minted CAF Player of the Year, is back with Nigeria’s Super Eagles and he’s bringing a wave of optimism to their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Speaking after the team’s second training session in Kigali, the Atalanta forward shrugged off the weight of expectation following his first international duty since being crowned Africa’s best.

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“No any pressure. I am just glad to be back with the squad, the guys,” Lookman said in a video shared by Nigerian journalist Ojbsports on X, formerly Twitter.

“We have a big task ahead of us and we are looking forward to it,” he added.

That “big task” is reigniting Nigeria’s World Cup dreams, and Lookman’s scintillating form could be the spark they need.

The 27-year-old has been a revelation at Atalanta, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists in 32 matches across competitions this season for his club.

His flair, pace, and clinical finishing earned him the CAF crown, edging out stiff competition.

Now, under new coach Eric Chelle, Lookman’s return comes at a pivotal moment as the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in Kigali, matches that could define their path to the 2026 tournament.

Nigeria’s qualification hopes have faltered in recent years, with the team missing out on the 2022 World Cup after a shock playoff loss to Ghana.

But Lookman’s arrival signals a shift. His ability to unlock defences and deliver in clutch moments could lift a squad desperate for inspiration. Teamed with stars like Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen, he’s part of a potent attack that Chelle will hope can overpower their Group C rivals.

For a nation hungry to reclaim its footballing pride, Lookman’s “no pressure” mindset and red-hot form might just be the key to turning World Cup dreams into reality.