Leading playmaker at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Ademola Lookman, says Nigeria’s confidence continues to build as they continue their hunt for a fourth continental title in Morocco, Saturday PUNCH reports.

Lookman and his teammates landed in Marrakech on Thursday as they prepare to face Algeria’s Desert Foxes in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Atalanta forward has been Nigeria’s most influential player at the tournament, scoring three goals and providing four assists so far.

He has earned two Man of the Match awards so far in Morocco, increasing his overall numbers at the competition. In two tournaments, Lookman now has six goals and five assists.

With the Super Eagles now firmly focused on Saturday’s quarter-final after being rocked by an alleged protest over unpaid bonuses, Lookman is expecting a stern test against the Desert Foxes.

“The quarter-finals of the AFCON is something to look forward to,” he told CAFOnline.

“Another big battle awaits us, so we need to be ready. Everyone is physically strong,” Lookman explained. “It’s about meeting them on the field, being intelligent, and being ready.

“Same mentality from the team,” he said.

“Same mentality to win, to be aggressive on the ball.”

Operating in a fluid attacking trio, Lookman has combined effectively with Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen, helping Nigeria maintain a constant threat in the final third.

Despite a brief verbal exchange with Osimhen in the previous match, Lookman was quick to dismiss any suggestion of tension within the squad.

“Nothing happened, just a discussion on the pitch. That’s it,” he said. “In football, these things happen and you move on.”

Nigeria and Algeria last met at the AFCON in the semi-finals of the 2019 edition, when the Desert Foxes beat the Super Eagles 2–1 courtesy of a stunning late free kick from Riyad Mahrez. Algeria went on to lift the trophy, claiming their second continental title.

Since that triumph, the North Africans have failed to progress beyond the group stage in 2021 and 2023, while Nigeria reached the final of the last tournament in Ivory Coast. (PUNCH)

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