September 2024 | Page 23 of 26

Ademola Lookman – From Charlton Athletic to Ballon D’Or nomination

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago07 mins

Charlton Athletic have to be given credit for Ademola Lookman’s rise. The former player is now up for football’s most prestigious individual award. As the nominations for this year’s Ballon d’Or came in on Wednesday, a potentially surprising inclusion came in the form of Atalanta’s Lookman. The Nigerian forward experienced a mixed bag of loan and permanent spells prior to his arrival at La Dea. Enduring his first professional match in 2015, the 26-year-old started life at The Valley with Charlton. The academy product of the League One side featured 49 times and scored 12 goals over a one-and-a-half year period with the club. Experience in the Championship and League One earned Lookman a top move to Everton in January 2017. With the Toffees, the Nigeria international played a small part in his first season with club – only featuring eight times. However, in 2017/18’s Europa League campaign, Lookman scored twice as he featured in six group stage matches. Seven league appearances and three in the cup were the other, fairly minimal domestic contributions. The following season, the 26-year-old experienced his first loan spell. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig took Lookman in on a six-month deal, where he scored nearly every other game. Five goals in 11 appearances gave the Nigerian an opportunity to stay on at his parent club the next year, where he featured 24 times in the 2018/19 campaign. As the subject of a £22.5 million deal with the aforementioned Bundesliga side, Lookman returned to Leipzig on a permanent basis in the summer of 2019. The former England academy player earned an exciting move to another top-flight club who promised him more game time. At just 21, Lookman signed on a five-year deal. Disappointingly, the former Charlton player found himself featuring just 13 times – once in the Champions League – before being shipped out on loan to Fulham in 2020. However, 34 Premier League games and four goals later, Lookman established himself as a competent top-flight forward. When the Nigerian returned from this loan spell, an immediate move back to England saw Leicester City snap him up on a season-long deal. With the Foxes, Lookman appeared in five separate competitions: the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Europa League, and the Conference League. Eight goals in 42 games caught the attention of Atalanta, where the 26-year-old has stayed since being bought by the Italian side in 2022. In the two seasons that Lookman has featured with last year’s Europa League champions, the Nigerian attacker has scored 32 goals in 79 appearances. 2022/23 saw an immediate welcome to a permanent club, as he appeared in the majority of the Serie A campaign. Last season is the crucial highlight of Lookman’s career so far. This 2023/24 campaign has now earned the 26-year-old a nomination for the Ballon d’Or. 17 goals in 45 games is impressive enough, but being a key part in European glory is even greater. On the 22nd May 2024, Atalanta took on a record-breaking, unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen side – in the Europa League final – who had already picked up their first ever Bundesliga title. A lot of neutral fans were expecting Xabi Alonso’s side to brush La Dea aside and secure the treble, but Lookman had other ideas. An early brace saw the Nigerian net two goals for Atalanta in the 12th and 26th minutes. This lead felt secure for the most part of the game, with both sides seemingly equal to each other. However, the final blow came from Lookman as he completed his hat-trick in the European final and single-handedly secured silverware for the Italian club. Not only did the 26-year-old help Atalanta win their first trophy in 61 years, he also became the only player to end Leverkusen’s near-perfect season. The most impressive part about this final endeavour, was the 10/10 match rating that Lookman earned in football’s highly-coveted, L’Equipe. Becoming only the 18th player to receive this praise, Lookman has cemented himself in European history and subsequently earned a deserved inclusion in the Ballon d’Or running. The 26-year-old’s former youth coach described Lookman as a ‘fantastic player’, who ‘works so hard’. His coach said he nearly cried when the third goal went in, due to the bond that they both had. “I cried when the third goal went in and I don’t cry. I’m so glad for Ade – he works so hard. He’s a quiet lad, he’s sometimes misunderstood because of his quietness but he’s a great kid.”

Man Utd made Olise attempt before Bayern swoop

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

Manchester United made an enquiry for Michael Olise this summer but could not sign him. The Red Devils did go after the former Crystal Palace winger, but only after Bayern Munich had moved ahead in the race. Per The Mail, Olise had already committed to Bayern and was not going to change his mind. United were even looking to use Sir Alex Ferguson to try and persuade the winger to join. However, Olise believes that he can get good game time at Bayern and can develop his game. Whether he comes back to the Premier League is unclear, but United will be monitoring his progress.

Zidane hints at Man Utd job

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago04 mins

Zinedine Zidane has admitted he is open to a long-awaited return to management after speculation linking him to Manchester United resurfaced. Zidane has been without a job since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in May 2021. The 52-year-old Frenchman has been linked with several roles in the past three years, including United, Bayern Munich and the national team jobs at United States, Brazil and Algeria, but is still biding his time. He sparked rumours that he could be preparing for a return to the dugout this week when he was spotted attending a training session at Real Betis. It comes amid pressure on Erik ten Hag at United following a poor start to the season, just months after the club’s new leadership team openly courted other managers. Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate were among those considered by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his advisors, while L’Equipe stated that Zidane was also interested in taking over from Ten Hag. In the end, Ten Hag was given a stay of execution, but the Dutchman remains on shaky ground after the 3-0 thrashing by Liverpool at Old Trafford. At the premiere of a film about his former Juventus manager Marcelo Lippi in February, Zidane was asked if he would return to coaching. He replied: “Why not, anything can happen. Now I’m doing other things, but we’ll see. I’d certainly like to return to the bench.” Zidane has only ever managed at Real Madrid so far in his coaching career, but was incredibly successful over his two spells at the club. The former midfielder won two La Liga titles and three Champions League titles before walking away at the end of the 2020/21 campaign. He has taken an unusually long time out since then, but his ethos is clear: he will only return for the right opportunity. “Never say never,” Zidane told L’Equipe in 2022. “Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty. That’s why I can’t just go anywhere. “For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, ‘Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?’ I understand English but I don’t fully master it. “I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It’s a global context. I know what I need to win. Of course, I might not always win, but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory.”

Top African Coaches to attend CAF AFCON symposium in Abidjan

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Top African coaches and tacticians will attend the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 Coaches Symposium in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire on 12 and 13 September 2024. The two-day event organised by CAF in partnership with FIF Fédération Ivoirienne de Football (“FIF”) will kick-off on Thursday, 12 September 2024 with a Legacy discussion by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, Ivorian Government and FIF President Yacine Idriss Diallo. Between Thursday and Friday, 12-13 September, Coaches from 42 African Member Associations and global experts including from FIFA and EUFA will reflect on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The coaches, including the Finalist – Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria and semi-finalists, South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo, will join their peers on a number of topical discussions. The conference will feature a comprehensive program, including insightful sessions, engaging panel discussions, and presentations by leading experts in the football community. Highlights of the event will include an in-depth analysis of the strategies that defined TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2023, a special focus on the masterminds behind the tournament, and a forward-looking discussion on the future of African football.

Ronaldo scores 900th career goal in Portugal win

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th career goal in Portugal’s Nations League victory over Croatia on Thursday. The star forward found the net in the 34th minute at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon. “It means a lot,” Ronaldo said after Portugal’s 2-1 win. “It was a milestone I wanted to reach for a long time. I knew I would reach this number, because as I continue to play, it would happen naturally.” In the celebration, Ronaldo raised his hands to his face and dropped to his knees. “It was emotional because it’s a milestone,” he said. “It seems like any other milestone, but only I know, and the people around me, how hard it is to work every day, to be physically and psychologically fit, to score 900 goals. It’s a unique milestone in my career.” It was the 131st goal of his international career. The goal put Portugal up 2-0. Croatia later made it 2-1. He is the first man to reach the 900-goal milestone in official matches for club and country. Ronaldo plays club soccer for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

Osimhen lands in Super Eagles’ camp

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

Galatasaray of Turkey new man Victor Osimhen has finally arrived the Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo ahead of Saturday’s AFCON 2025 qualifier against Benin Republic. The striker, upon arrival joined his national teammates in training at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Osimhen was received by the team’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, others players and officials. He was also congratulated on his recent loan move to Turkey. With Osimhen’s arrival, all the invited 23 players for the Benin Republic and Rwanda clash are in camp.

Osimhen: Onyekuru lured me to Galatasaray

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

African footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen has revealed that Henry Onyekuru furnished him with necessary information before agreeing to Galatasaray move. The Nigeria striker has joined in a straight loan from Napoli with a break clause for January. He said upon signing his contract: “When I heard about Galatasaray’s interest, it was an easy decision for me. I knew how big Galatasaray was and how much of a family club it was. They have an incredible fan base. “Henry Onyekuru is my friend and he played for Galatasaray, he told me how big the club, the fans and the people here are. “So it was an easy decision for me. When I landed at the airport, the fans welcomed me with so much emotion that I felt very happy. “These things are important for a player. I want to do everything I can for them. “I can’t wait to start this project. I’m very excited.” On a reunion with former Napoli teammate Dries Mertens, he continued: “Dries Mertens was always with me when I played in Italy. He became a big brother to me. He is a person I respect a lot, I am excited to be teammates with him again. “I can’t wait to meet my teammates as soon as possible. I was already watching Galatasaray games. “I follow Mertens to see how he plays since he came here. I was following his development as a person and as a footballer. “The interactions of the players with the fans when they score goals and win games are also exciting. Now I hope our fans will support me after every goal. I can’t wait. “I say hello to the Galatasaray fans, Osimhen is here. Thank you very much for welcoming me at the airport. It was a great welcome.”

Eguavoen: Eagles set to make great start in 2025 AFCON race

Prince Odutola4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has declared that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are raring to go for all six points available in this month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against their counterparts from Benin Republic and Rwanda. The reigning African vice champions clash with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Uyo on Saturday, 7th September and then keep a date with Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali three days later. “Our objective is clear: to pick the six points in both matches. The players know this, and are committed to accomplishing this. The matches will not be easy; no qualifying game can be taken for granted because all the teams want to play in the finals. However, we have spoken to the players and all of us are on the same page. “Starting with the match against Benin Republic on Saturday, nobody is mentioning anything about revenge. Our goal is three points, and then we aim for another three points in Kigali on Tuesday that will put us in good stead for qualification.” Eguavoen has a number of stalwarts who are truly determined to appease fans and enthusiasts for missing the two FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in June, from which poor results threaten the Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2026 finals. AFCON’s Man-of-the-Competition William Ekong, also team captain, was overlooked for the ties against South Africa and Benin Republic as he was recovering from injury, but is back at the heart of the rearguard to lead the three-time African champions to hunt for points for another showpiece. Ekong scored three goals at the AFCON finals early in the year. Reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen missed the two games in June, as defender Ola Aina and star forward Moses Simon due to injury. Osimhen just signed for Turkish giants Galatasaray and will be keen to impress his new employers, while banishing talks of his rustiness. Rapid-raider Simon, who on his good day can single-handedly decimate the opposition, is also eager to again dorn the green-white-green, just as Aina. Eguavoen is most likely to start goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, with Aina, Semi Ajayi, Ekong and Bassey at the rear, and any three of Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Alhassan Yusuf and Raphael Onyedika in midfield. Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman are gunning for shirts at the fore. Lookman, in the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, will walk with a greater spring in his steps, and justifiably so. He scored three crucial goals for Nigeria at the AFCON, and his 17 goals and 11 assists steered Atalanta FC to the Europa Cup final, where his hat-trick did the damage on German club, Bayer Leverkusen. Saturday’s match will kick off at 5pm inside the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.