Embattled winger and 2024 African Footballer of The Year, Ademola Lookman has received far-reaching support from his colleagues in the Nigerian national team regarding his ongoing transfer saga with Atalanta of Italy.
Sports247 gathered that, while many analysts and fans repeatedly questioned Lookman’s presence in the Super Eagles’ camp ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, his national team colleagues were happy to have him around.
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Many critics argued heading into Saturday’s game versus Rwanda at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo that Lookman should not feature, because he had neither trained actively with his club nor played in any competitive match since July, but his teammates in the Eagles thought otherwise.
This much was disclosed by Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong, who stressed that Lookman has shown as much commitment to the assignment at hand as any other player in the squad; but added that his selection for any of the two games depended basically on the choices of their coach, Eric Chelle.
Troost-Ekong began by taking a closer look at the transfer window in general and pointed out that many Eagles’ players switched to new teams because of the recognition that was duly given them for their top performances in recent months gone by.
“The summer transfer window is always particularly special when you have a team full of talented players, like we always have in Nigeria. There are always going to be movements, with good players taking the next step up.
“With small reference to Ademola Lookman, all of us have followed his situation, and we are supporting him,” the Al-Kholood of Saudi Arabia centre back disclosed emphatically.
Troost-Ekong also made references to the explanation that Chelle gave regarding the invitation granted Lookman for the crucial World Cup qualifiers in Uyo and Bloemfontein, ahead of which the skipper said he was satisfied with the winger’s commitment and focus.
“The coach referred to him as the best player in Africa and, from what I’ve seen from him these few days, he’s even more motivated. He’s constantly been professional.
“He has worked hard and he has trained hard. It’s not my choice to make, but I can only speak on behalf of the players. I know Lookman is focused on the game,” Ekong reiterated.
