Super Eagles: Osimhen and Lookman Shine in Final Club Matches Ahead of AFCON 2025

 

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) feature in their last club games before joining Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 squad

Nigeria’s star forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, are preparing for their final competitive club matches before joining the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt. Their performances in these fixtures are expected to set the tone for Nigeria’s continental campaign, which begins later this month.

Osimhen, currently representing Galatasaray, is set to face Antalyaspor in a crucial league match this weekend. The 26-year-old striker has been in excellent form this season, consistently demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess and athleticism. His ability to lead the frontline will be central to Nigeria’s attacking ambitions at AFCON, and the coaching staff will be closely monitoring his fitness and match sharpness during this final outing. Analysts expect Osimhen to use the match to build momentum and confidence before reporting to the national team’s training camp in Cairo, which officially opens on Monday, December 15.

Similarly, Lookman will conclude his Serie A commitments with Atalanta against Cagliari. Known for his pace and creativity on the wings, Lookman has had a productive season and will be looking to finish his club duties strongly. His versatility and ability to link up with teammates will be vital for Nigeria as they seek to diversify their attacking options in the tournament. The final club game offers Lookman an opportunity to fine-tune his form and sharpen his decision-making ahead of national duty.

Several other Super Eagles players across Europe and beyond are also participating in their final club matches. Midfielders like Fisayo Dele-Bashiru of Lazio and Wilfred Ndidi of Besiktas, along with Fulham’s trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze, are all concluding their club seasons before linking up with the national team. These final fixtures are seen as a test of both fitness and mental readiness, as the players transition from club to international football in quick succession.

The Super Eagles’ 28-man squad for AFCON 2025 was recently announced, combining experienced internationals with promising young talent. The team is drawn in Group C, with an opening match against Tanzania on December 23, followed by clashes with Tunisia and Uganda. Nigeria will be aiming for a strong start, and much of the team’s attacking responsibility will fall on Osimhen and Lookman, who are expected to form a potent combination at the forefront.

Coaching staff are carefully balancing the need for rest and preparation. Clubs have been granted a brief extension to release their African internationals, allowing some players to complete their final domestic commitments. This window, however, places additional pressure on players to maintain peak performance levels and avoid injuries before joining the national camp.

As Nigeria prepares for AFCON, the final club outings of Osimhen and Lookman will be closely observed by fans, analysts, and coaching staff alike. Their form, fitness, and confidence in these last games could significantly influence Nigeria’s prospects in the tournament, where the Super Eagles aim to assert their status as one of Africa’s premier football teams.