Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman led Atalanta to win their first-ever Europa League title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

The 26-year-old was the star of the show, scoring a terrific hat-trick to seal the win for the Italian outfit, becoming the first Nigerian and African player to score a hat-trick in a major UEFA competition final.

Lookman opened the scoring in the 12th minute, doubling Atalanta’s lead in the 26th minute, and completing his hat-trick in the 75th minute. His impressive performance makes him the first player to score a hat-trick in a major UEFA competition final since Jupp Heynckes achieved the feat for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 1975 UEFA Cup. Lookman is also the sixth player to achieve this impressive record.

While one Nigerian stole the show and emerged victorious, it was heartbreak for Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella of Leverkusen as their side’s unbeaten run got snapped at game 52 in what would have seen them lift a second trophy this season.

Ademola Lookman’s outstanding performance has further strengthened his prospects for the coveted CAF Player of the Year award.

This historic win for Atalanta means they will face either Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Super Cup in August. The Italian side will be looking to continue their impressive form come August.