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Ademola Lookman played a starring role as Atalanta knocked out Marseille to set up an explosive clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Ademola Lookman was pivotal as Atalanta completed a comprehensive 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille to book an all-Nigerian Europa League final showdown against Bayer Leverkusen.
The Super Eagles winger was in inspired form during the 3-0 second-leg win in Bergamo, scoring once and providing an assist to knock out the former Champions League winners.
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21:56 - 09.05.2024
Leverkusen 2-2 Roma (4-2): Boniface, Tella, and Lookman in all-Nigerian UEL final showdown after historic draw
Nigerian trio of Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella and Ademola Lookman will compete in the UEL final after Bayer Leverkusen survived Roma.
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17:50 - 08.05.2024
Frank Onyeka: Super Eagles star celebrates girlfriend Meso on birthday
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Ademola Lookman’s Starring Role
Lookman opened the scoring after half an hour, finishing off a flowing team move to put Atalanta in control of the tie.
He then turned provider early in the second period, slipping in Matteo Ruggeri to double La Dea's advantage on the night and leave Marseille with a mountain to climb.
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The 26-year-old's performance oozed quality and confidence as he tormented the French side's backline with his typical blend of trickery, directness and end product.
The Stats vs Marseille
Lookman's stats showed he created two chances, made one key pass, scored with his only shot on target and completed a game-high two dribbles.
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The Nigerian wing wizard also won one tackle, made four recoveries and prevailed in five ground duels in an all-action display at both ends.
His efforts helped catapult Atalanta into their first-ever European final, where Lookman is now set for a fascinating showdown against international teammates Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella.
Prolific frontman Boniface has netted 19 goals to fire Leverkusen's record-breaking unbeaten run, while the lightning pace of Tella has caused havoc all season.
The prospect of the three Nigerians going head-to-head on the biggest stage represents a monumental occasion for Nigerian and African football's next golden generation.
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For Lookman, getting the chance to make history in the Europa League final is the perfect way to cap his second season back in Italy following an ill-fated spell with Leicester City.
The former Everton and RB Leipzig loanee has hit top gear since Gian Piero Gasperini's side turned his temporary stay into a permanent €15m (£12.9m) transfer in the 2023/2024 season.
Few could have predicted such an explosive conclusion to the Europa League between the Nigerian trio following their summer moves.
But their starring roles in this year's competition underline the incredible wealth of talent emerging from Nigeria's latest crop of talent bidding for global stardom.
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