Super Eagles and Atletico Madrid attacker Ademola Lookman has highlighted a vital attribute Diego Simeone has instilled in him that’ll be of advantage to the Nigerian National team, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old joined Los Colchoneros for €35m during the winter transfer window after a brilliant AFCON 2025 outing with the Super Eagles in Morocco.
Since joining Atletico, Lookman has scored six goals and provided three assists in 17 games, turning up in big games and finding the back of the net against Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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Ademola Lookman credits Diego Simeone for massive improvement
The former Leicester City forward arrived at the Metropolitano with a huge pedigree, having won the UEFA Europa League, a CAF Player of the Year award, and two AFCON medals.
However, he’s revealed he’s currently learning a lot and evolving several aspects of his game, all thanks to Argentine manager Diego Simeone.
“It’s incredible here. The technical ability of everyone here is awesome. For me, that’s the best way to play football,” the London-born Nigerian said in an interview with ESPN.
“Simeone, I think just wants more of everything from me. Defending, attacking, and helping the team in certain moments. Being part of the play, he demands more from me.
“It’s a pleasure you know, because I have someone who sees more in me, pushes me, and wants more from me.
“I have to keep working, and keep demanding more from myself too, it’s what I want to do, to be the best I can for the team and myself,” the FIFA U-20 World Cup winner concluded.
Advantage for Super Eagles
Without a doubt, Nigeria play well whenever Lookman plays well, and Simeone’s demands of the Super Eagles attacker is an advantage for Eric Chelle’s side.
The ex-RB Leipzig star had the most goal contributions at the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, scoring three goals and setting up four.
When he arrived at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Simeone mentioned that Lookman is an exceptional attacker, but also opined that he needed to improve on helping his team defensively.
While he’s clearly improved in that aspect, the former Inter Milan midfielder still wants more from him, and should that energy be conveyed into the Super Eagles setup, Nigeria will clearly concede lesser goals, in upcoming crucial fixtures.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will participate in the 2026 Unity Cup in London, before taking on Poland and Portugal in June.
