Photo: Ademola Lookman, in action

Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are preparing a January move for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman as the Yellow Canaries look to strengthen their attacking options with the Nigerian winger.

Sport Mediaset journalist Orazio Accomando, hinted that Fenerbahçe are ready to submit an offer structured as a €5 million paid loan, with a right, or potential obligation, to buy set at €37 million, taking the total package to €42 million.

Discussions are still at an early stage, but Lookman has been identified as a priority target as the Istanbul club seeks to reinforce its squad.

Atalanta, however, value the Nigerian international highly following his impressive performances in Serie A and European competition and are reluctant to approve any deal that delays a permanent sale unless the conditions are particularly favourable.

Lookman is currently with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he has been one of the tournament’s standout performers.

The former African Player of the Year has recorded three goals and four assists in just three matches, performances that have significantly boosted his market value.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 4-0 victory over Mozambique, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria were rampant from start to finish, asserting their dominance with pace, precision and ruthless finishing.

Ademola Lookman opened the scoring with a well-taken effort to set the tone, before Victor Osimhen struck twice to put the contest beyond Mozambique’s reach.

A late goal from Adams capped a flawless display by the Eagles.

The result underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and attacking depth as they continue their quest for continental glory, shutting out Mozambique with a disciplined defensive display and relentless pressure going forward.

The Super Eagles will now await the winner of the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo as they prepare for a crucial quarterfinal showdown.

Mali dramatically advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Tunisia 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in extra time, despite playing with ten men for most of the Round of 16 clash at the Mohammed V Stadium on Saturday.

The Eagles, reduced to ten players after Woyo Coulibaly’s straight red card in the 26th minute for a lunging tackle on Hannibal Mejbri, looked destined for elimination when substitute Firas Chaouat headed Tunisia ahead in the 88th minute from Elias Saad’s cross.

However, in a frantic finish, Yassine Meriah’s handball in the box during stoppage time allowed Lassine Sinayoko to equalize from the penalty spot in the 96th minute, forcing extra time.

With no further goals in the additional 30 minutes, the match went to penalties. Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra emerged as the hero, saving shots from Elias Achouri and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. El Bilal Touré slotted home the decisive kick after Ali Abdi skied his effort, sealing a 3-2 shootout victory.

Mali captain Yves Bissouma and Nene Dorgeles missed for the Eagles in the shootout, but Diarra’s saves proved pivotal in one of the tournament’s most thrilling encounters.

The result sets up a blockbuster West African quarter-final showdown between Mali and defending champions Senegal, who earlier dispatched Sudan 3-1 in Tangier.

Senegal, led by braces from Pape Gueye and a late strike from teenage substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, will face Mali on January 9 at the Grand Stade de Tangier.

Mali coach Eric Chelle praised his side’s resilience: “Playing with ten men for so long and coming back like that shows the character in this team. We’re ready for Senegal—it’s going to be a tough battle.

“Tunisia, who dominated possession but struggled to break down Mali’s defensive setup, exit the tournament after a frustrating campaign, having won only one group-stage match.

The 2025 AFCON, hosted in Morocco, continues with more Round of 16 fixtures on Sunday, including hosts Morocco against Tanzania. The quarter-finals promise intense matchups as the race for the title heats up.