Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has admitted that the Super Eagles’ painful semi-final loss to Morocco is still weighing heavily on the squad as they prepare for the third-place playoff against Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Reflecting on the penalty shootout defeat, Lookman described the encounter as a gruelling contest that ultimately ended in heartbreak.
Speaking ahead of the match against Egypt, he said, “It was a tough game, we played 120 minutes, a tough game, but obviously losing on penalties is much harder.”
The Atalanta attacker also acknowledged the quality of the Moroccan side, admitting that fine margins decided the outcome.
“I think they are a strong team. In the end, the match was decided by penalty kicks,” Lookman said as quoted by allnigeriasoccer
When asked about the upcoming third-place match against Egypt, Lookman revealed that his focus remains clouded by the disappointment of the semi-final exit.
He said, “Honestly, I didn’t think about it, it didn’t really cross my mind, of course because of the disappointment.”
Despite the emotional setback, Nigeria’s three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions will be looking to end their campaign on a positive note when they face Egypt, with the bronze medal at stake and a place on the tournament podium up for grabs.
