Lookman sustained a knee injury in training last month and has been sidelined since then.

The talented winger has missed La Dea’s last six games across all competitions.

Sources said the 27-year-old completed part of Sunday’s training session with the rest of the team.

Read Also: It’s Incredible To Be Recognised As The Best In Africa – Lookman

Lookman will likely be available for the second leg of the playoff contest billed for the Gewiss Stadium on Tuesday.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side lost the first leg 2-1 last week.

Lookman has racked up 14 goals and seven assists in 24 outings across all competitions for Atalanta this season.

The post UCL: Lookman boost for Atalanta ahead Club Brugge clash appeared first on Afinju FM.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Atalanta of Italy forward said this during his speech after receiving the award in a glittering ceremony organised by CAF in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.

“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation, and to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible and I am extremely proud of,” Lookman said.

Recalling his struggles as a footballer about four years ago, the 27-year-old advised young people never to allow their past failures define their future.

Read Also: Ademola Lookman wins African Player of the Year

Lookman beat competitions from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy to win the coveted prize.

He was instrumental as Atalanta won its first-ever European trophy last season, with the Nigerian scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Everton player was also integral in the Super Eagles run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations ,AFCON, in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

The post It’s Incredible To Be Recognised As The Best In Africa – Lookman appeared first on Afinju FM.

Lookman, who clinched the prestigious individual awards, defeated South African goalkeeper, Ronwem Williams; Cord’Ivoirere winger, Simon Adingra; Egypt legend, Mohamed Salah and Morocco defender, Achraf Hakimi.

The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and was supported by the CAF president, Patrice Motsepe.

Lookman had an outstanding season with Atalanta, helping the team win the UEFA Europa League with a sensational heroic hat-trick.

He also performed well for the Super Eagles at the 2024 African Cup of Nations, AFCON.

The post Ademola Lookman wins African Player of the Year appeared first on Afinju FM.

The video, which was released via their official X account, showcased Lookman’s vital role in helping Nigeria’s Super Eagles reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, where the 26-year-old scored three goals and registered one assist during the tournament.

It also showcased his role in Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph, where he scored a hat-trick as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in the final.

Lookman was among the 30 top players shortlisted for the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or last month.

The Nigeria international will compete with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Rodri, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham for football’s most coveted individual prize.

Lookman contributed 33 goal involvements – 22 goals and 11 assists-  in 61 appearances for both Nigeria and Atalanta during the period under review for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The post Ballon d’Or: Organizers highlights why Ademola Lookman was nominated appeared first on Afinju FM.

The versatile attacker, who was recently named on the 30-man shortlist for the prestigious award, has enjoyed a stellar season for both club and country. He is the only African to make the cut this year, ahead of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who was nominated last year, and Egyptian icon Mohamed Salah.

Lookman, who previously plied his trade in England, found his feet after joining Atalanta in 2022, as the former Everton man finished his first season with the Serie A side with 15 goals and eight assists in 33 appearances. He surpassed that in his second year, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 appearances.

His form also extended to the international stage, where he played a starring role for Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 26-year-old revealed on the Counter Attack Podcast how he learnt of his Ballon d’Or nomination while on international duty with the Super Eagles, saying, It’s a special feeling.

Lookman shared how his Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey reacted to the news.

The Nigeria forward’s nomination comes after a historic performance in the UEFA Europa League final, where he became the first man to score a hat-trick as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to lift the trophy.

He was also impressed during the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and providing assistance as Nigeria reached the final in the Ivory Coast.

Lookman’s Ballon d’Or nod makes him the eighth Nigerian ever to be nominated for the award, and the forward is also being tipped as a leading contender for the African Footballer of the Year award.

Fresh from the nomination, Lookman shone during Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda, scoring twice in the Super Eagles’ 3-0 win over Benin in Uyo and having a goal controversially ruled out in the goalless draw against Rwanda. Despite transfer interest from PSG over the summer, Lookman appears set to focus on Atalanta with the transfer window now closed.

The post Lookman relishes Ballon d’Or nomination appeared first on Afinju FM.

The visitors sat back early on, allowing the Super Eagles to dominate the game.

Ademola Lookman missed a chance to put Nigeria ahead in the 17th minute.

The Atalanta winger was put through on goal by Wilfred Ndidi but failed to hit target.

Saturnin Alagbe produced a superb save to deny Samuel Chukwueze two minutes before the half-hour mark.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali had to be alert to stop Steve Mounie’s free-kick five minutes before the break.

With time running out in the first half, Lookman produced a moment of magic to give Nigeria the lead.

The 26-year-old dribbled past three defenders before firing the ball into the net.

The first chance of the second half fell to Nigeria but it was wasted by Lookman.

Benin Republic grew into the game with Mounie testing Nwabali from inside the box.

Substitute Victor Osimhen netted Nigeria’s second 12 minutes from time.

The powerful striker slotted the ball home after he was set up by Wilfred Ndidi.

Lookman scored his second of the game in the 82nd minute.

The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda in their next game at the Amahoro Stadium, in Kigali, on Tuesday

The post AFCON 2025 qualifier: Brilliant Super Eagles fly past Cheetahs in Uyo appeared first on Afinju FM.