'A lot of expectation on the game' - Lookman admits ahead of possible debut vs Ghana tomorrow

Published: March 24, 2022

Ademola Lookman has urged his teammates in the Super Eagles not to be under pressure ahead of Friday evening's 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana in Kumasi, a game he's in contention to make his senior debut for the three-time African champions.

The Leicester City winger showed his commitment to the Nigeria cause by taking part in the national team's workout on Wednesday evening despite linking up with the squad in Abuja earlier in the day.

Lookman shook off an illness that kept him out of the Foxes matchday squad against Brentford on Sunday and reported for international duty.

The rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana is considered to be one of the fiercest in African football but Lookman is unperturbed, saying he'll treat it just like every other game.

Speaking to reporters at the National Stadium in Abuja on Wednesday, Lookman said : "Not my first time in Nigeria. It's just another game.

"Obviously, there's a lot of expectation on the game. We don't need to put any pressure on ourselves but to go out and enjoy ourselves".

Lookman represented England at U19, U20 and U21 levels before submitting a request to Fifa to change his association, which was approved last month, paving the way for him to be invited for the games against Ghana.

Igho Kingsley

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