José Peseiro Backs Ademola Lookman To Match Victor Osimhen’s Super Eagles Influence, Shine At Atlético Madrid

Former Nigeria head coach, José Peseiro, believes Ademola Lookman has grown into a figure as influential as Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles dressing room and says the forward has all the tools to leave a lasting mark at Atlético Madrid.

Osimhen has long carried the tag of Nigeria’s talisman, but Peseiro insists the conversation has shifted. In his view, Lookman’s output over the past two years, both for club and country, places him firmly alongside the Napoli striker in terms of importance.

“Osimhen was the star, but Lookman has not been behind him. In fact, he has scored more goals. Now they are both key figures,” he told Marca.

The former Super Eagles boss pointed to Lookman’s hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Atalanta BC as proof that the 28-year-old can deliver on the biggest stages. That performance, he suggested, was no one-off.

At international level, Lookman has quietly built an impressive record at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Across the last two editions, he directly contributed to 11 goals in 13 appearances, scoring six and assisting five as Nigeria claimed silver and bronze medals.

Peseiro, who consistently trusted Lookman during his time in charge, brushed aside claims that the forward can be temperamental. Instead, he described a player who responds to faith and thrives when allowed to express himself.

“Lookman does not act like a star, he is very easy to manage, you just have to let him be free,” he said.

The Portuguese coach believes Lookman’s early displays in Spain highlighted his readiness for a new chapter. Even so, he has urged patience while the forward adjusts to his surroundings.

“Playing like that three days after arriving can only be explained by his quality. Now we must remain calm because he still needs to adapt, but it is already clear that he does not feel pressure. If you give him freedom and accept his boldness and creativity, Lookman has the potential to produce outstanding seasons and make an era at Atlético,” Peseiro said.

Ademola Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid long-held ambition

The switch to Madrid represents more than a transfer for Lookman. Peseiro sees it as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition.

“For him it is a challenge and a very important step because he has achieved the objective he always had of reaching one of the best clubs in Europe and continuing to prove to England that they made a mistake with him,” he said.

The roots of Lookman’s resurgence, according to Peseiro, stretch back to conversations in 2022. At that stage, the forward had endured unsettled spells at Everton FC, RB Leipzig, Fulham FC and Leicester City FC, searching for stability and rhythm.

He also carried lingering disappointment from his international pathway with England. Despite helping win the FIFA U-20 World Cup and progressing to Under-21 level, senior recognition never arrived.

“He was still young, but he often told me how sad he was that after winning the Under-20 World Cup in 2017 and progressing to the Under-21s, England stopped calling him up. He did not understand it and believed he had a future there, but he had to accept it,” Peseiro revealed.

Now approaching what many regard as a footballer’s prime, Lookman has added steel to his flair. Peseiro credits his time in Italy with sharpening his defensive work and physical resilience.

“He has become more mature and complete. He can shoot, pass and beat opponents one against one. He has also improved greatly defensively and physically,” he said.

“He told me he suffered more in training in Italy than in Germany or England, but through effort he progressed in an area that was necessary. He is very professional and resilient. Even if it is not obvious at first glance, he fights, presses, defends and is very strong physically.”

While Lookman can unsettle defenders from wide areas, his former coach believes his greatest influence comes when operating centrally.

“On the wing he can destabilise opponents and make good diagonal runs, but his best position is behind the forward. When he finds space inside, he can shoot, dribble or assist. That is where he is most decisive,” he added.