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A look at Atalanta and Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman's most memorable highlights on his birthday.
Nigeria and Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has made a significant impact during his time in the Serie A with Atalanta BC.
And as he celebrates his 27th birthday, here are some of his most memorable moments for club and country.
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1. Hat-Trick in the Europa League Final
Lookman wrote his name into Atalanta's and UEFA’s history with a stunning hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final on May 22, 2024.
His goals helped secure a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, marking the club's first major European trophy.
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This achievement also made him the first player to score a hat-trick in a major men’s European final.
2. Consistent Goal Scoring
Throughout his tenure at Atalanta, Lookman has showcased remarkable consistency. In his debut season (2022-23), he netted 15 goals and provided six assists across all competitions.
He followed this up with another impressive season, scoring 17 goals and contributing nine assists, solidifying his status as a key player for the team.
In the current season, he is on course to maintain that consistency as he has scored three goals and assisted three in just seven matches for the Europa League champions.
3. Debut Goal
Lookman made an immediate impact upon joining Atalanta for former Premier League champions Leicester City.
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The Nigerian scored on his debut in a 2-0 Serie A win over Sampdoria on August 13, 2022. This goal set the tone for his successful stint at the club.
4. Lookman's Braces
He has delivered standout performances against tough opponents, including scoring braces in consecutive matches against Salernitana and Spezia in early 2023.
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These contributions were vital in helping Atalanta secure important victories during their league campaign.
5. Recognition and Accolades
Lookman’s performances have not gone unnoticed; he was named Atalanta's Player of the Season and recently nominated for the Ballon d'Or, highlighting his rise as one of Africa's top footballers.
He is also regarded as the man to replace national teammate Victor Osimhen as the next African Player of the Year after an impressive 12 months.
6. Family Support
A particularly heartwarming moment came after his Europa League final hat-trick when Lookman celebrated with his family on the pitch.
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His mother expressed immense pride, and they lit up the pitch with emotional scenes to celebrate the weight of his accomplishments.
7. AFCON 2023 Performance
Lookman's impressive form continued at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, where he was instrumental for Nigeria.
He scored both goals in Nigeria's 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16 and netted the only goal in a crucial quarter-final win against Angola.
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Although Nigeria finished as runners-up to Ivory Coast in the final, Lookman's contributions earned him recognition and respect within the national team.
These moments reflect not just Lookman's individual talent but also his significant impact on Atalanta's success during his time at the club and by extension, Nigeria, as he has become one of the team’s main players.
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