Is Ademola Lookman In Jeopardy of Dropping to The Bench Against Congo?

Super Eagles star winger Ademola Lookman, who some would stay had an underwhelming game in the World Cup Playoffs tie against Gabon, is on the lips of many a fans as a surebet candidate to be relegated to the bench against Congo.

Coach Eric Chelle holds the Atalanta forward in high esteem and it remains to be seen whether he will keep faith with Lookman or make a call that could end up been bold or reckless if Lookman is jettisoned to the shores of the bench.

The other viable option for ‘Mola’ upfront in the Super Eagles is Moses Simon, who posted a decent display against Gabon when he was brought on. Ejuke could also play that role with his trickery, thirst and taste for the headlines. Russia based Olakunle a most highly unlikely option to start.

That said, Lookman did create credible scoring chances against Gabon in a manner that suggests that he is slowly working his way to optimum sharpness. Hence, there are strong indications Ademola Lookman will again start tonight, to the chagrin of some fans, to the delight of others.

His last goal for Nigeria was more than a year ago – September 2024, when he fired a brace in the 3-0 demolition of Benin in Uyo in a 2025 AFCON qualifier.

Statistically, Moses Simon has bagged more assists for the Super Eagles during the time of Lookman in the national team when compared to the Atalanta man.

Can Lookman deliver a torch-bearing performance for Super Eagles goal, laced with goals and/or assists tonight?

We await the answer with bated breath, as we stand on this precipice, on the pins and needles of anxiety for an outcome against Congo that will not only be a morale booster, but also a (potential) ticket to the biggest stage of all, a stage we so rightly crave, a stage we so rightly belong.