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Tag: Ademola Lookman

  • Lookman Thrilled as He Joins Atletico Madrid

    Lookman Thrilled as He Joins Atletico Madrid

    Ademola Lookman has expressed excitement after completing his transfer from Atalanta to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, describing the move as “special” and a major milestone in his career.

    The Super Eagles winger has signed a contract with the La Liga side that will keep him at the club until June 2030, marking his latest step into another top European league.

    Speaking to Atletico Madrid’s official website, Lookman said he was grateful for the opportunity to join the club, adding that he is eager to embrace the new challenge of playing in Spain and adapting to a new culture and language.

    The 28-year-old noted that joining Diego Simeone’s side would help him grow as a player, stressing his desire to learn, improve, and contribute positively to the team alongside his new teammates.

    Lookman further stated that the move brings fresh motivation, as he aims to give his best every day, continue developing his game, and make a meaningful impact at Atletico Madrid.

  • Burkina Faso Coach Picks Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025, Singles Out Osimhen

    Burkina Faso Coach Picks Nigeria to Win AFCON 2025, Singles Out Osimhen

    Burkina Faso’s technical director, Vincenzo Alberto Annese, has named Nigeria as his pick to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, singling out striker Victor Osimhen as the tournament’s standout forward.

    Nigeria will face Algeria in the AFCON quarter-final on Saturday, with Annese highlighting the Super Eagles’ attacking strength as a major factor.

    The Italian coach described Osimhen as the biggest threat in the tournament, emphasizing the striker’s impact on Nigeria’s performances.

    So far at AFCON 2025, Nigeria has scored the most goals, netting 12 across seven different players.

    Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have accounted for half of those goals, underlining their influence in the team’s offensive play.

    Speaking to Italian sports newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Annese praised Nigeria’s attack, placing them alongside Ivory Coast as top contenders for the title.

    “Nigeria has good attacking force. They are among the top teams along with Ivory Coast, but I think they are more reliable,” he said.

    He also singled out Osimhen as the strongest centre-forward in the competition, noting that Nigeria’s game changes significantly whenever he is on the pitch.

    Osimhen, who has scored 34 goals for Nigeria, is now just three goals shy of equalling Rashidi Yekini’s record as the country’s all-time top scorer.

    Annese’s comments underscore Nigeria’s credentials as a title contender and highlight the pivotal role of Osimhen in the team’s campaign.

  • AFCON 2025: Lookman Plays Down Osimhen Dispute

    AFCON 2025: Lookman Plays Down Osimhen Dispute

     

    Photo credit: Channels Television

    Ademola Lookman has played down suggestions of a rift with Victor Osimhen following their on-field disagreement during Nigeria’s 4–0 win over Mozambique on Monday, a result that sealed the Super Eagles’ place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals.

    Speaking after the match, Lookman described the incident as a normal football moment, insisting there were no personal issues between them. He praised Osimhen as a key figure in the team and stressed that the emphatic victory mattered more than any brief exchange, noting that both players remain united and focused on the team’s objectives.

    The confrontation occurred in the 63rd minute with Nigeria already three goals ahead, when Osimhen, chasing a hat-trick, reacted angrily after not receiving a pass. The situation required intervention from captain Wilfred Ndidi and others before Osimhen was later substituted.

    Ndidi later described the incident as a product of competitiveness, saying it was resolved internally. Lookman, who scored once and assisted two goals in the match, also dismissed personal ambitions for the Golden Boot, stating his priority was Nigeria’s progress. Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the matter would be handled within the squad, as attention shifts to the quarter-finals and the Super Eagles’ push for continental success.

  • Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Nwabali Laments Goals Conceded Despite Eagles’ Win

    Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has said he was disappointed to concede goals despite Nigeria’s 3–2 victory over Tunisia on Saturday.

    The South Africa-based shot-stopper said allowing two late goals was painful, even though the team secured maximum points, adding that keeping a clean sheet remains his personal goal.

    Nigeria dominated much of the encounter, going into the break with a 1–0 lead after Victor Osimhen’s late first-half strike.

    Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman extended the advantage after the restart to give the Super Eagles a commanding 3–0 lead before Tunisia scored twice late in the game.

    Speaking to journalists after the match, Nwabali said conceding goals was never part of the plan.

    “We really don’t wish to concede. We always want to keep a clean sheet,” he said. “It pains me a lot when I concede, but we keep going as a team.”

    The goalkeeper has now conceded three goals in two matches at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.

    Nwabali said he hopes to avoid conceding further goals, noting that clean sheets would improve his chances of competing for the tournament’s best goalkeeper award.

  • Primate Ayodele Defends AFCON Prophecy On Super Eagles

    Primate Ayodele Defends AFCON Prophecy On Super Eagles

    Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has clarified that his recent prophecy on the Super Eagles’ performance at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is being misrepresented.

    The statement follows criticism from individuals who claimed the prophet’s prediction about Ademola Lookman was incorrect after the player scored a winning goal.

    In a release signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele said the prophecy was being twisted by “mischievous individuals” and emphasized that his comments referred to the tournament as a whole, not a single match against Tanzania.

    “My prophecy about Ademola Lookman in the ongoing AFCON tournament is being misrepresented and misunderstood for reasons best known to those individuals,” the statement read.

    He explained that his warning concerned Lookman’s overall impact on the team throughout the tournament, not just the opening match. “We have just started the tournament, and only one match has been played. We should wait before judging the prophecy,” Ayodele said.

    The prophet urged critics to be patient and allow time to reveal the full outcome of his prophecy rather than making judgments based on a single game.

    Ayodele reiterated that his comments are rooted in support for the Nigerian team. “It would be my greatest joy if the Nigerian team wins, but that can only happen if they listen to advice,” he said.

    He added that his prophecies are intended to guide and encourage the team to perform at their best. “I have always rooted for the Nigerian team, and I want them to lift the trophy and return home victorious,” he noted.

    The statement aims to clarify his position and reinforce that his warnings are meant as counsel for the team’s success in the AFCON tournament.

  • 18 Players Arrive As Super Eagles Open Camp In Rabat

    18 Players Arrive As Super Eagles Open Camp In Rabat

    The Super Eagles have opened camp in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff against Gabon, with 18 players already in camp as preparations gather momentum.

    The team confirmed the arrivals in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, listing the players currently on ground.

    Those in camp include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Raphael Onyedika.

    Team officials and the first group of players arrived at the Rive Hotel on Sunday, marking the start of the final build-up to the fixture.

    Media officer Promise Efoghe said early arrivals included Bassey, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Arokodare and Olusegun.

    Head coach Eric Chelle named a 24-man squad for the playoffs, featuring a mix of returning standouts and consistent performers. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Sevilla winger Chidera Ejuke earned recalls following strong club displays.

    Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, while Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other tie at El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat.

    Winners of both matches will meet on November 16 for a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs, which will determine qualification for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

    The Super Eagles are seeking a return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

  • Atalanta Rule Out January Exit for Ademola Lookman

    Atalanta Rule Out January Exit for Ademola Lookman

    Atalanta have decided to keep Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman for the rest of the season, ending speculation about a possible January transfer.

    According to Italian outlet CultofCalcio, the Serie A club considers the matter settled after reintegrating the 27-year-old into the squad. Lookman made his first appearance of the season as an 87th-minute substitute in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Torino.

    The forward had pushed for a summer move to Inter Milan, but negotiations broke down after the club deemed his price tag too high. Atletico Madrid showed interest without submitting a formal bid, while Turkish sides made late approaches that Atalanta rejected.

    Lookman trained separately for several weeks during the transfer standoff and is still working toward full fitness. Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reported that it may take time before he is ready to start matches, with Kamaldeen Sulemana and other attackers ahead in sharpness.

    Head coach Ivan Juric confirmed that Lookman addressed his teammates after the saga, admitting that poor advice from advisers had contributed to the standoff. “He spoke to me and the team on Monday. He was surrounded by people who had given him some bad advice,” Juric said. “He has a great winning mentality, and now we need to get him back in shape physically.”

    Lookman had previously accused Atalanta of unfair treatment in a social media post before leaving for the UK to train on his own. He later returned to Italy just days before the Serie A season kicked off.

    Despite the tensions, his return could prove vital, with forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca currently sidelined by injuries.

    Lookman scored 20 goals last season, including a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final win, and remains an important option as the club prepares to face Juventus in Serie A and Club Brugge in Europe.

  • Atalanta CEO: Lookman Must Prove Commitment

    Atalanta CEO: Lookman Must Prove Commitment

    Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has insisted that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman must demonstrate greater commitment before he can be reintegrated into the first team.

    Lookman had pushed for a move to Inter Milan during the summer, even submitting a transfer request and training separately in England. However, the proposed deal collapsed, forcing his return to Italy.

    The 28-year-old was left out of Atalanta’s squad in their weekend victory over Lecce, and head coach Ivan Juric has suggested he is unlikely to feature in the club’s upcoming clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

    “We know how important Lookman is for Atalanta, but the club has basic principles,” Percassi told DAZN. “We need players who are ready to give 100 percent for this jersey and be totally focused on our cause, because every game is difficult.”

  • Ademola Lookman refuses to play for Atalanta again

    Ademola Lookman refuses to play for Atalanta again

    Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has reportedly gone on strike, refusing to play for the Serie A club. The Super Eagles forward informed La Dea that he will no longer feature for the team amid ongoing transfer developments.

    Inter Milan is preparing to make a third bid for Lookman, following the rejection of their first two offers. Reports suggest the Italian champions are willing to increase their offer to meet Atalanta’s valuation.

    Nigerian sports journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, also known as Buchi Laba, confirmed the development on X, stating: “100% Confirmed: Inter Milan will make another offer for Ademola Lookman. This third offer will be close to what Atalanta wants. Lookman has made it very clear to Atalanta he won’t play for the club anymore. He wants Inter, but Atalanta wants to sell him to clubs outside Italy.”

    Lookman’s stance highlights his determination to move to Inter, even as Atalanta seeks to explore other options beyond Italy for the 27-year-old forward.

  • Lookman rejects Arsenal interest, pushes for inter transfer

    Lookman rejects Arsenal interest, pushes for inter transfer

    Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is reportedly refusing a transfer to Arsenal, insisting instead on a move to Serie A giants Inter Milan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

    The 27-year-old Nigerian international is currently in a standoff with Atalanta after the club rejected two bids from Inter. The Bergamo side is holding firm to their €50 million valuation — a figure that has left Lookman frustrated.

    In protest, the Europa League winner has failed to report for Atalanta’s pre-season training camp and is said to have left Italy without permission. Reports from Football Italia indicate that Lookman has gone on an unauthorised vacation and cut off communication with the club.

    The Percassi family, owners of Atalanta, are now weighing legal action that could lead to a significant fine for the player.

    Atalanta, meanwhile, are open to selling Lookman but are hoping to attract offers from outside Italy. The forward, however, has shown no interest in moving to the Premier League despite reported interest from Arsenal.

    Inter coach Cristian Chivu has made Lookman a top priority, with plans to adjust his team’s formation to accommodate the Nigerian attacker. The Nerazzurri are not pursuing other offensive targets, in a bid to keep the player’s focus on a move to the San Siro.