Ademola Lookman said it is important for the Super Eagles to improve on their performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali.
The Super Eagles finished second in the competition, losing 2-1 to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final.
The three-time African champions are back in camp again for the first time since the end of the competition as they prepare for double-header friendlies against the Black Stars and Eagles.
Lookman, who plays for Serie A club Atalanta, explained the need for the team to raise the level of their performance.
“It’s an opportunity for us to once again show the level we are as a team, talking about our performance at the AFCON and the level that is expected of us. We are definitely looking forward to the game,” the winger told the Super Eagles media after the team’s training session in Marrakech on Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old is also delighted to hook up with his teammates again after the AFCON experience.
“We still have the same bunch of players, still happy together and obviously there are some new faces in the squad. We are really happy to be back in the squad,” Lookman added.
The Super Eagles will take on Ghana in their first friendly on Friday before facing Mali next week on Tuesday.
Both matches will be played at the Grande Stade de Marrakech, Morocco.