Ademola Lookman has made history by becoming the eighth Nigerian to be nominated for the prestigious men's Ballon d'Or award. 
This nomination places him among the elite in football, recognizing his exceptional performance over the past season with Atalanta.
Lookman's journey to this accolade has been nothing short of remarkable. Last season, he was instrumental in Atalanta's success, particularly in the UEFA Europa League. His standout moment came in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, where he scored a hat-trick, leading his team to a 3-0 victory and securing their first major European title in over six decades. This performance not only showcased his scoring prowess but also his ability to perform under immense pressure.
In addition to his club success, Lookman was a key player for Nigeria's Super Eagles, helping them reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His contributions on both the club and international stages have solidified his reputation as one of the top footballers in the world.
Lookman joins an exclusive list of Nigerian footballers who have been nominated for the Ballon d'Or. The first wave of Nigerian nominees came in 1995, with Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha all receiving nominations. Nwankwo Kanu followed with nominations in 1996 and 1999, while Victor Ikpeba was nominated in 1997. Sunday Oliseh earned his nomination in 1998, and more recently, Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala were nominated in 2023.
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