Ademola Lookman became the first African player to score three goals in the final of a major UEFA tournament. Lookman netted a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, leading Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half.
Lookman's achievement also makes him the third Nigerian international to score in the final of a major European competition, following Alex Iwobi (2019 Europa League for Arsenal) and Joe Aribo (2022 Europa League final for Rangers).
The Super Eagles attacker broke the deadlock at the Aviva Stadium in the 12th minute with an assist from Davide Zappacosta. He doubled the lead in the 26th minute and completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute, extending his tally in the European competition to five goals in 11 appearances.
Lookman's performance not only highlighted his individual brilliance but also set Atalanta on course to end their 61-year trophy drought. His heroics ended Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten run this season, even though they concluded the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign with an unblemished record.
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