Atalanta Reportedly Blocks Ademola Lookman From Arriving at Super Eagles Camp Early

• Ademola Lookman is set to join the Super Eagles camp later than planned
• The Nigerian winger is allegedly being delayed by his league club, Atalanta
• The Super Eagles will open camping for the World Cup qualifiers on Sunday

Nigeria’s preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has been dealt another blow as Atalanta superstar, Ademola Lookman, will reportedly arrive late.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and newly appointed coach, Finidi George, confirmed camping for the crucial games against South Africa and Benin will open on Sunday, June 2.

According to Own Goal Nigeria, Atalanta are allegedly delaying Lookman’s arrival at the Super Eagles camp until next Tuesday, June 4, in order for the winger to feature in their outstanding Serie A game.

Coppa Italia: Lookman set to win first title in professional career with Atalanta

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The reigning Europa League champions will take on Fiorentina in their final fixture of the season on Sunday, the same day the former Everton and Fulham winger is expected to return to Nigeria.

Nigeria, who are banking their World Cup hopes on winning their next fixtures in the qualifiers, will camp in Uyo, the venue for their Group C match against Bafana Bafana on June 7.

Lookman bags Serie A recognition

Meanwhile, Lookman has been named in Serie A Team of the Week after starring in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory against Torino last weekend, Daily Post reports.

The 26-year-old winger, who scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final to end the club’s 61-year title drought, scored one and assisted another in the comfortable win for the Italian club.

Lookman, who has been named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month, has so far scored 16 goals and provided eight assists across all competitions for Atalanta this season.

Why losing Coppa Italia final could affect Lookman's Africa POTY chances

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Odegbami hails superstar Lookman

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Nigeria's football legend, Segun Odegbami claims Lookman is edging closer to football immortality before his compatriot, Victor Osimhen.

The 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winner praised the Napoli frontman and Atalanta’s latest hero after their impressive feats for their respective Italian clubs this recent season.

Lookman has been touted as the perfect candidate to succeed Osimhen as the African Player of the Year this year after guiding Atalanta to the UEFA Europa League trophy.