Diego Simeone challenges Ademola Lookman to bring Super Eagles spirit to Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone has urged Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman to show the same passion he displays for Nigeria while playing for Atletico Madrid, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Atletico Madrid coach has been impressed with how quickly Lookman has settled into Spanish football since arriving from Atalanta during the winter transfer window.

The Super Eagles attacker ended a three-and-a-half-year stay in Italy to begin a new challenge in Spain, and his impact has been immediate.

Since moving to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Lookman has become one of Atletico’s standout performers and an instant fan favourite.

The former Everton and Fulham forward has recorded seven goal contributions in his first seven matches, scoring across La Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

Simeone praised the energy and attacking quality the Nigerian has added to his team but believes there is still another level the winger must reach.

Ademola Lookman: Simeone demands Super Eagles mentality

Speaking at a press conference, Simeone explained that he wants Lookman to show the same fighting spirit he consistently displays for the Nigerian national team.

“He arrived full of enthusiasm and eager to continue growing, to help us, and for us to help him,” Simeone said at a press conference.

imago1072983748 — Ademola Lookman. Copyright: xAlbertoxGardinxIMAGO

“We need him to keep contributing offensively and add to his defensive work, which he already possesses. He’s done a lot of it, especially for his national team, and we need him to feel the Atleti shirt the same way he feels the Nigeria shirt.

“That’s how he becomes a very important player, and we need him to be like that.”

Lookman has often produced his best performances with Nigeria. He played a key role as the Super Eagles reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, combining attacking flair with strong defensive work.

The forward continued that impressive international form at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where he contributed seven goals to help Nigeria secure the bronze medal.