SUPER Eagles of Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo has led calls for his international teammate Ademola Lookman to win the CAF African Player of the Year award following his heroics in last night’s UEFA Europa League final in Dublin, Ireland.
Lookman became the first player to ever score a hat-trick in the Europa League final as he steered Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to earn the Italian club their first European trophy.
Thousands of Nigerian football fans immediately suggested that Lookman should be crowned the best player in Africa, a call backed by Omeruo.
“CAF, this is your African Player of the Year. Ademola Lookman, top player,” 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Omeruo, who also reached the competition’s final in February along with Lookman, posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Super Eagles head coach Finidi George and the team’s stars also posted their awe at Lookman’s sensational display, praising their international teammate.
“Ademola Lookman, Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface in the Europa League final was a thing of joy and national pride. Well done, guys,” Finidi wrote, mentioning the other Super Eagles players who featured for Bayer Leverkusen last night.
“And what a performance that was from Lookman.”
Super Eagles centre-back Calvin Bassey wrote “ADEMOLA LOOKMAN. That’s it,” while Joe Aribo said “Ademola Lookman. The boy!”
Former Super Eagles forward Victor Moses also praised Lookman, writing on X: “What a great performance from lookman tonight.”
Lookman’s historic hat-trick also caught the attention of global football superstars, with the likes of Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer singing his praises.
The hat-trick hero himself, who celebrated his triumphant moment on the pitch with his overjoyed mother and father, acknowledged the backing of Nigerians.
“The support and love I get from my people back home is unbelievable. It gives me the motivation,” he told reporters in his post-match interview.
