Reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman (27) has brushed aside transfer disappointment to focus on Nigeria’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.
The forward was heavily linked with a summer move away from Serie A side Atalanta, but despite his desire to leave the Stadio di Bergamo, a transfer ultimately failed to materialize.
Despite the setback, he joined the Super Eagles camp in high spirits and took part in Wednesday’s training as Eric Chelle’s men intensified preparations for Saturday’s make-or-break clash with the Wasps.
Alongside Lookman, Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen and Fulham duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey impressed in training, as the three-time African champions enjoyed a full house with all invited players present in Uyo.
“We’re here now, just waiting for the last few players to arrive very shortly. I’m looking forward to having a full house in training tonight,” stand-in captain William-Troost Ekong told the media.
“The boys are very focused, and we’re looking forward to the game on Saturday. I want to thank the fans for their support, and I ask them to continue encouraging us – be there in the stadium on Saturday, keep praying for us, and rally with everyone else in Nigeria.”
“It’s going to be an important set of games for us, starting on Saturday. We know the gravity of this game, and we’ll remain focused on our preparation, because that’s what will give us confidence for the match.”
With only seven points from seven matches, Nigeria sit fourth in Group C and risk missing out on the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Still, a win against second-placed Rwanda could reignite hope for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions. A first-half brace from Osimhen helped the Eagles secure a 2-0 win over the East Africans in the reverse fixture.
Three days after facing Adel Amrouche’s side at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Chelle’s men will head to the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein for a crucial clash against group leaders South Africa.
Nigeria are desperate to return to the World Cup after missing out on Qatar 2022, when they fell to Ghana’s Black Stars in the play-offs.
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