Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has written his name into the history books of the Africa Cup of Nations with a record-setting performance for Nigeria. His Man of the Match display was instrumental in securing a 3-2 victory for the Super Eagles against Tunisia on Saturday, December 27, 2025, in Morocco, booking their place in the tournament's round of 16.
Lookman's Historic Achievement in AFCON
The 28-year-old Atalanta star was the standout performer, directly involved in all three of Nigeria's goals. He found the back of the net himself and provided two crucial assists in a thrilling encounter. This performance has propelled him to a unique statistical milestone.
According to data from Opta, Ademola Lookman has now been involved in eight goals across his last nine AFCON matches. This remarkable tally comprises five goals and three assists, a combined total that surpasses any other player's contributions in the last two editions of the continental championship.
Breaking Down the Record: From 2023 to 2025
Lookman first emerged as a key figure for Nigeria during the 2023 AFCON, where his performances were vital to the team's run to the final. In that tournament, he scored three goals and registered one assist. His goals included a memorable brace in the 2-0 round of 16 win against Cameroon and the decisive strike in the 1-0 quarter-final victory over Angola.
He has seamlessly carried that form into the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. With two goals and two assists already to his name in the current tournament, Lookman is proving to be the Super Eagles' most consistent and dangerous attacking threat. His ability to deliver in the physically demanding environment of AFCON makes his numbers even more impressive.
Silencing Critics and Earning Praise
Lookman's stellar performances have effectively muted his doubters. One prominent critic was Primate Elijah Ayodele, the founder of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, who had publicly prophesied that the forward would have a disappointing tournament. The cleric's prediction has been squarely contradicted by Lookman's record-breaking displays on the pitch in Morocco.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, expressed his satisfaction with Lookman's brilliance following the tense win over Tunisia. Chelle acknowledged the team's overall improvement from their opening match against Tanzania, despite nearly surrendering a three-goal lead. He highlighted the positive contributions from his players, with Lookman undoubtedly at the forefront.
As Nigeria advances to the knockout stages of AFCON 2025, Ademola Lookman's record-setting form provides a massive boost to the Super Eagles' aspirations. His unique combination of goals and assists makes him not just a scorer, but the creative heartbeat of the team, quietly establishing himself as one of the tournament's most influential players.
