‘King of Bergamo,’ Netizens hail Ademola Lookman’s performance against Fiorentina

Users of the social media site, X (formerly Twitter), have heaped praises on Super Eagles player, Ademola Lookman, for his stunning display of football prowess.

Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s 3-2 win over Fiorentina in the Italian Serie A match at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on Sunday.

In the 46th-minute stoppage time in the first half, Lookman received a long-range pass down the left flank and pushed the ball forward after getting past some oncoming defenders before latching a right-footed shot in the left bottom corner of the post.

Before that, Lookman delivered an accurate cross from the left flank onto Mateo Retegui whose bullet header secured a 1-1 equaliser for the home team.

Meanwhile, Nigerians flocked to the social media site to praise one of their own, with some labelling him as the next African Best Player.

One tweep, Boluwaji Jegede, tweeting as #TheBoluSport, wrote, “First of his name! King of Bergamo! Next to the iron throne of CAF Golden baller of the Super Eagles.”

Another X user, JJ. Omojuwa, tweeting as #Omojuwa, wrote, “Far and away. Up and above. African Footballer of the Year. Ademola Lookman!”

One X user, Smallie, tweeting as #the_smallie, stated, “Incoming African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman.”

Another X user, Mbah, tweeting as #Mbahdeyforyou, praised the Nigerian footballer, stating, “One goal, one superb assist. Good day at the office for Ademola Lookman.”

The 26-year-old attacker, who was recently named on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, has enjoyed a stellar season for both club and country. He is the only African to make the cut this year, ahead of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who was nominated last year, and Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah.

His nomination comes after a historic performance in the UEFA Europa League final, where he became the first man to score a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to lift the trophy.

He was also impressive during the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and providing assistance as Nigeria reached the final in the Ivory Coast.

In an interview on the Counter Attack Podcast, Lookman spoke of his Ballon d’Or nomination while on international duty with the Super Eagles, saying, “It’s a special, special feeling, man.

“I was on a bus on the way back from training and I saw a handle post that I’d been nominated for the Ballon d’Or, and I was a bit surprised. I kept scrolling, and then I saw loads and loads of notifications, so I knew it was real.”