The Nigerian attacking duo, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, continued their impressive form over the weekend, featuring significantly for their respective clubs. Both players were coming off a positive international break where they scored goals for the national team.
Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s 3-2 home win over Fiorentina on Saturday. In addition to providing an assist for Mateo Retegui’s goal, Lookman scored one of his own in first-half stoppage time.
With his performance on Saturday, Lookman consolidates what has been an amazing year for him so far, undoubtedly the best of his career. The highlights include his inclusion on the recently released Ballon d’Or 30-man shortlist. The only African player on the list this year, he beat out Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen and Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah for the nomination. His nomination for the most prestigious award in world football followed his iconic Europa League final performance, where he scored a hat-trick and won the title for the Bergamo side.
Victor Osimhen played his debut game for Turkish side Galatasaray against Rizespor. The striker, who moved to Galatasaray on loan from Napoli this summer, recorded an assist as his new side thrashed Rizespor five-nil. Osimhen moved to Turkey to get a fresh start for his club career after a fallout with the Napoli management and several stalled transfer moves. The reigning African Footballer of the Year failed to make the Ballon d’Or 30-man list after his nomination last year and is currently trailing behind Lookman as the favorite to be named Africa’s best player for this year.
Both Osimhen and Lookman were part of the Super Eagles attack that went all the way to the 2024 AFCON Final, with Lookman scoring three goals. Osimhen’s lone goal at the competition came in the Eagles’ opening game against Equatorial Guinea.
