During a press conference at the Centro Bortolotti ahead of Atalanta’s Serie A clash with Genoa, manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his admiration for Ademola Lookman’s performances with the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner with England has been unavailable for Atalanta’s last seven matches in 2024 due to his active participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Lookman has been a standout player in the tournament, directly contributing to four goals (3 goals, 1 assist), surpassing all other Nigerian players.

Despite the focus on Victor Osimhen, Lookman’s impact on the defensive end was notable, being the most fouled player in matches against Cameroon and South Africa. This underscores his hard work and defensive contributions to Troost-Ekong-led defense, which was on the verge of securing five consecutive clean sheets, only to concede a 90th-minute goal in the semifinals.

Gasperini conveyed, as quoted by Sportblog247.com, “Ademola was decisive for Nigeria, and it will be a really good final. Bakker? I have never made a distinction based on market value; Bakker must perform well. We have quite a lot in that department.”

Lookman is anticipated to make his fourteenth start for the Super Eagles in tonight’s final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.