Ademola Lookman makes history in Europe

Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian winger for Atalanta, etched his name in history by becoming the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major UEFA final.

His impressive feat also made him the third Nigerian player to find the net in a major UEFA final, following in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi (2019 Europa League) and Joe Aribo (2022 Europa League).

Lookman’s brace came within the first 25 minutes of the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, with his first goal arriving in the 10th minute as he pounced on a low cross from Zappacosta.

His second goal was a stunning curling effort that found the bottom corner. He completed his hat-trick in the second half, dashing Leverkusen’s hopes of winning the treble unbeaten that season.