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Ademola Lookman Emerging as Super Eagles’ Key Player
Ademola Lookman is emerging as a key Super Eagles player, with former coach José Peseiro highlighting his influence and club potential
Former Super Eagles head coach José Peseiro has hailed Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman for rising to match Victor Osimhen’s influence in the national team, while expressing confidence in his ability to make a significant impact at Atlético Madrid.
Also read: Ademola Lookman returns to Atalanta amid Juventus interest
Peseiro made the remarks during an interview reflecting on Lookman’s progression at both club and international level.
Peseiro noted that although Osimhen has traditionally been Nigeria’s talisman, Lookman’s goal contributions particularly in the Africa Cup of Nations have been decisive.
In 13 tournament appearances, the winger contributed 11 goals through six strikes and five assists, helping Nigeria secure silver and bronze medals.
At club level, Peseiro highlighted Lookman’s hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Atalanta BC as evidence of his big-game temperament.
He dismissed claims that Lookman is difficult to manage, describing him as grounded, professional, and receptive to freedom on the pitch.
“Ademola has shown composure under pressure and attacking boldness,” Peseiro said.
“His early performances in Spain indicate he is ready for Atlético Madrid, but patience will be key as he adapts to a new environment.”
The former coach traced Lookman’s journey, revealing that discussions in 2022 helped set the stage for the winger’s resurgence.
Lookman endured unsettled spells at Everton FC, RB Leipzig, Fulham FC, and Leicester City FC before finding stability in Italy.
Peseiro also recounted how falling out of favour with England’s youth teams strengthened Lookman’s resolve and commitment to Nigeria at senior level.
Now approaching his peak years, Lookman combines technical flair with improved defensive discipline and physical resilience.
Peseiro emphasised that Italian football accelerated his development, turning him into a complete attacker capable of pressing, defending, and creating opportunities.
Tactically, Lookman is most effective centrally behind a striker, where he can exploit spaces, drive at defenders, and contribute goals or assists.
While versatile on the wings, Peseiro insisted his decisive impact is clearest closer to goal.
Also read: Lookman Hails Super Eagles’ Progress Ahead of Algeria Clash
With growing confidence and influence, Peseiro suggested Lookman now stands alongside Osimhen as one of the defining figures of the Super Eagles and a potential cornerstone for Atlético Madrid’s ambitions in the coming years.
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The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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