Ademola Lookman Set To Become Fourth Nigerian Player To Win UEFA Super Cup

Super Eagles of Nigeria forward, Ademola Lookman has the opportunity to make history by becoming the fourth Nigerian player to win the UEFA Super Cup.

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta is gearing up to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in Poland at 8 p.m. later tonight, August 14. His pivotal role in helping the team secure their first European title with the Europa League win in May has raised expectations for the upcoming match.

Atalanta’s remarkable journey to their first UEFA Cup final can largely be attributed to Lookman, whose hat-trick propelled the team to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing their second piece of silverware in 117 years.

Despite receiving numerous offers from European and Saudi Arabian clubs, Atalanta have managed to retain the 26-year-old Nigeria international, setting the stage for a potential upset as they take on Real Madrid, who are vying for their sixth UEFA Super Cup title.

If Ademola Lookman manages to help Atalanta to win the title, he would be the fourth Nigeria, following in the footsteps of Nwankwo Kanu, Finidi George, and Celestine Babayaro.

Speaking ahead of the match, Lookman expressed the team’s excitement and determination to conquer Real Madrid’s formidable lineup.

“It’s not just me, but I think the whole squad is excited about the occasion. We deserve to be here through our hard work and perseverance. Wednesday night is another chance to show that,” Lookman said during the pre-match interview.

“Madrid is a top team of top players, who are ready at any moment. I don’t think there’s any good time to face Real Madrid. Obviously, they have their powers, but we also have quality.

“We’re very pleased to have our fans here, to make the trip. We’ll do everything in our power to win the game. We’re all looking forward to working hard.”

Despite Real Madrid’s status as the favourite to win the 2024 UEFA Super Cup, the pattern of Champions League winners dominating the one-off title match is not always true.

Lookman and his teammates, representing the Europa League winners, stand a good chance of winning it as UCL winners have won just 28 of the 48 editions.