Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored a hattrick for Atalanta on Wednesday to help them to their first-ever Europa League trophy, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman has had a decent campaign with La Dea, but his performance on Wednesday was his best in an Atalanta shirt, or perhaps, the best in his career.
And of course, that win would have wiped off the disappointment of losing the Copa Italia to Juventus just days before. For Lookman, it is the perfect morale booster ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa in June.
It would be the second time that both countries will be facing off this year. In the first game, which was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, the tie was settled on penalties after they played out an enthralling 1-1 draw. It was one of the games of the tournament and could easily have swung anywhere.
For Lookman, despite his heroics for Atalanta, there are still doubts that he can deliver against South Africa. At the AFCON, the South Africa game was his worst. He was one of Nigeria’s best performers in the competition, but he switched off in that game.
Nonetheless, Nigerian fans can hope for a much improved performance after his recent showing. Moreover, Soccernet.ng can exclusively report that a section of the South Africans football community are scared of Nigeria after his heroic performance in Dublin.
If coach Finidi George can fashion out a good playing system, the Super Eagles have a good shot at coming out on top. If he remains fit and arrives camp just in time, Lookman is a sure starter, and he would look to do the damage for Nigeria.