Ademola Lookman produced one of the best performances ever witnessed in a Europa League final, scoring three goals to help Atalanta lift their first European title.
The former Leicester City winger opened the scoring for the Goddess in the 12th minute after sharply reacting to direct Davide Zappacosta’s low cross into the net. In the 26th minute, Lookman rose to the occasion yet again, picking up a loose ball and nutmegging Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka to curl the ball into the far corner from outside the box.
The Super Eagles forward struck again in the 75th minute, after receiving a pass from Gianluca Scamacca, skimming past Edmond Tapsoba to rifle a rising shot past goalkeeper Matej Kovar to complete his hattrick.
Following this stellar performance, Ademola Lookmaan became the first player in history to score a hat-trick in the final of competition.
In this article, Sports Buddy looks at three reasons why Lookman deserves to be crowned as the next African best player of the year.
Why does Ademola Lookman deserve the award?
AFCON heroics
Ademola Lookman was one of Nigeria’s standout performers in this year’s AFCON competition. The Atalanta forward scored three goals and provided a crucial assist for Victor Osimhen to help Nigeria avoid defeat in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea.
With three goals, all of which came in the knockout stage of the competition, Lookman emerged as the joint highest goal scorer for Nigeria, along with William Troost-Ekong. This performance helped Nigeria reach the final of the tournament.
With this year’s African best player award falling under an AFCON year, the tournament will definitely play a huge role in determining who will emerge winner. Lookman stands a chance to clinch this award from the AFCON standpoint, having played a pivotal role in leading his Nation to the final.
Impressive statistics with club side and record-breaking achievements
Ademola Lookman has had an impressive season with his clubside, Atalanta, having scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 43 appearances this season. His 23 goal contributions is bettered than not many African Players this season.
This statistcs also includes a Hattrick he scored in the just concluded Europa League final, making him the first player to achieve this feat.
Lookman’s hattrick helped Atalanta clinch their first European title since inception of the club and also their first trophy since 1963. These history making feats would definitely count in his favour placing him as a major contender for the presigious African best player award.
Trophies won
Ademola Lookman will no doubt have a shout when it comes to the ”trophies won” metric, having recently won the Europa League with Atalanta. The Nigerian forward is also on course to clinch a second trophy, with his club presently in the Coppa Italia final. Should he win the domestic cup with his team, his chances of winning the award increases.
Lookman as a major candidate for the award
It’s almost impossible to find a better candidate who ticks all boxes better than Lookman, hence the Super Eagles striker stands in pole position to clinch the African best player of the year award.
Additionally, Lookman’s Europa heroics did not go unnoticed by CAF, which is the governing body of African football, with their official account on X, acknowledging his achievement.
Are you 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸ing at this 𝗺𝗮𝗻? 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/7PmWARidTS
— CAF (@CAF_Online) May 22, 2024
