Nigerian National Team Star and African Player of the Year Winner Ademola Lookman Returns from Injury
Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian national team’s star player and this year’s African Player of the Year award winner, has returned from injury. Lookman’s club, Atalanta, is set to face Belgium’s powerhouse Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifiers tomorrow. Reports indicate that the player has already resumed training with his team.
Lookman is expected to recover in time for the World Cup qualifiers, which has excited Super Eagles fans. Nigeria has struggled in Group C of the qualifiers, managing to secure only three points so far. Currently in fifth place, the team must win all its remaining matches to stand a chance of qualifying for the World Cup. However, even that might not be enough, as Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin must also drop enough points for Nigeria to advance.
Nigeria’s new head coach, Eric Chelle, is pleased with Lookman’s return, but he still has a major challenge ahead. His job could become significantly easier if Serie A goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who is under investigation for alleged irregular betting activity, avoids suspension.
Lookman’s return is also crucial for Atalanta. The club is in contention for the league title and is eager to progress further in the Champions League.