Ademola Lookman has underlined the decisive role of fan support in high-stakes European fixtures, insisting that venue matters less than the presence and passion of the supporters behind the team.
Asked whether he prefers to play the first leg at home or away, Lookman brushed aside the tactical debate and instead turned attention to the fans who, in his words, transform any setting into something special.
“As long as we have the fans with us, it’s special,” he said. “They give us a lot of energy.”
The forward then recalled a vivid moment from a recent trip to Barcelona, where the team’s supporters made their presence felt long before kickoff.
“When we played in Barcelona, the fans were at our hotel since 11 AM,” he added. “Pfft, that feeling is just unmatched.”
Lookman’s comments reflect a growing appreciation among players for the impact of traveling supporters, whose commitment often turns away grounds into near-home environments. For the Nigerian international, that connection provides an emotional lift that can rival any tactical advantage tied to venue.
As the tie approaches, one thing is clear. Whether home or away, Lookman believes the real difference-maker will not be the stadium, but the voices that follow the team wherever they go.