Ademola Lookman news. African footballers. After an outstanding 2024 season that earned him the African Player of the Year Award, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman began 2025 in style by scoring a brilliant goal during Atalanta’s narrow 3-2 loss to Napoli at the Gewiss Stadium.
Lookman, a key player for Atalanta with 22 goals and 13 assists in 46 games last year, ended his goal drought in Serie A with a spectacular equalizer in the second half of this much-anticipated clash. The game saw Atalanta take an early lead through Mateo Retegui, only for Matteo Politano and Scott McTominay to turn the tide in Napoli’s favor by halftime.
In the second half, Lookman stole the spotlight. Receiving the ball on the left, he nutmegged Napoli’s captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, dribbled past three defenders, and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the net through a crowded penalty area.
This goal wasn’t just stunning—it made Serie A history. As per Opta, it marked the first time two Atalanta players scored in both home and away matches against Napoli in a single season. In the earlier meeting, Lookman scored twice during Atalanta’s dominant 3-0 victory in Naples, with Retegui also on the score sheet.
Lookman was substituted in the 77th minute for Nicolò Zaniolo, and Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku scored the winning goal shortly after.
Read also: Ademola Lookman biography: Salary, Net Worth, and Career of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year
Despite the defeat, Lookman’s performance continues to highlight his importance. According to Livescore, he is the only player to score 10+ goals in Serie A for three consecutive seasons. This season, Lookman has made 18 appearances, contributing 10 goals and five assists, placing him among the league’s top scorers and playmakers.
As Atalanta prepares to face Como on January 25, Lookman will aim to maintain his excellent form and lead his team toward greater success in Serie A. His performance also reassures new Super Eagles Head Coach Éric Chelle of Lookman’s readiness to deliver on the international stage.