Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman etched his name into the annals of European football history on Wednesday night by becoming the first African player ever to score three goals in the final of a major European competition.
The Super Eagles forward delivered a man-of-the-match performance that propelled Atalanta to a resounding three-zero victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, securing their first major trophy in 61 years.
The outcome of the game also dashed Bayer Leverkusen’s hopes of an unbeaten season across all competitions.
Lookman opened the scoring for Atalanta with a well-executed goal in the 12th minute.
Undeterred, he then doubled Atalanta’s lead in the 26th minute with a display of individual brilliance.
The 26-year-old completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, culminating in a sensational performance that will be long remembered.
Lookman’s heroics also add him to the prestigious list of Nigerians who have conquered the Europa League, joining Chidi Odiah, Taribo West, John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses and Samuel Chukwueze.
