Nigeria Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman returned to his team with a goal after missing a couple of matches due to his travel for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards ceremony.
Atalanta man Lookman was crowned the best footballer in the African continent after his dream season both in the Serie A, Europe and in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations.
The former Fulham, Everton, Leicester and RB Leipzig men shot his side to a top four finish in the Serie A and also helped them claim their first European trophy in over 30 years.
Lookman scored a glorious hat-trick in the final to end Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten run with a goal of the tournament, man of the match in the final and making the team of the year.
The 26-year old was drafted into the side to face Empoli by coach Gasperini and the forward replaced his coach’s faith in him with a goal.
Lookman met Zaniolo’s chest control to slot in Atalanta’s second of the evening to make his 12th goal of the season.
After presenting his African Player of the year (POTY) trophy to his supporters, Lookman increased his goal + assist tally to 17 of the season as he will seek to defend his award.
