Lookman’s first Nigerian to win Europa League final player of the match

Ademola Lookman has made history as the first Nigerian to be named player of the match in the final of the Europa League.

The Nigerian netted a treble to steer his Serie A side, Atalanta to their first UEFA trophy and second major trophy after their Coppa Italia win in 1963.

Lookman scored on 12, 26 and 75 minutes as Atalanta ended Victor Boniface’s Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run across all competitions this season.

The UEFA Technical Observer panel’s assessment of the Nigerian’s performance said it all: “For obvious reasons and his all-round enthusiasm and energy. Really sharp and his execution was spot on.”

‘Lookman anticipated Davide Zappacosta’s ball across the box to open the scoring, then hit a brilliant individual second on 26 minutes. A threat all night, he became the first player to score a Europa League final treble after Gianluca Scamacca played him in to smash in Atalanta’s third on 75 minutes.’