Ademola Lookman is proving he belongs among Africa’s elite as he takes a giant stride toward the CAF Player of the Year award with a dazzling display for Atalanta. The Super Eagles forward, who recently ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, scored twice in a thrilling 3-0 win over league leaders Napoli, firmly placing himself in contention for one of Africa’s most prestigious football accolades.

The odds were stacked against Atalanta in this clash. Napoli, managed by former Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte, had been on a dominant run—winning eight of their first ten Serie A matches and sitting confidently at the top of the table. Conte’s side featured Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen, the focal point of Napoli’s attack, but it was Lookman who stole the spotlight this time.

The 27-year-old Lookman wasted no time making an impact, finding the back of the net just ten minutes into the game. When a set-piece wasn’t cleared, Charles De Ketelaere crossed the ball into the box, where Martin De Roon flicked it to Lookman. The Nigerian forward seized the chance, driving the ball into the bottom corner past Napoli’s Alex Meret to put Atalanta in the lead.

Not content with just one, Lookman doubled his tally on the half-hour mark with a sensational strike. After another excellent hold-up play by De Ketelaere, Lookman found himself free on the left. Taking his shot from about thirty yards out, he powered the ball toward Meret’s goal. Although Meret managed to get a hand to it, the force of Lookman’s effort pushed it through, doubling Atalanta’s lead and leaving the Naples crowd stunned.

With 12 minutes left, Lookman made way for a substitute, but Atalanta weren’t done. Mario Retegui rounded off the scoreline, netting the third goal from a Raoul Bellanova cross.

This decisive victory moves Atalanta within just three points of Napoli in the Serie A standings. Lookman’s remarkable performance, which now brings his season tally to six goals and four assists, has strengthened his case for CAF Player of the Year, marking him as a standout African player on both the Italian and international stages.