Ademola Lookman Completes Move to Atalanta as Super Eagles Contingent Grows in La Liga
Atletico Madrid has officially announced an agreement with Atalanta for the transfer of Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, bringing an end to his challenging 18-month period at the Bergamo-based club. The 2024 African Footballer of the Year arrives in Madrid, with the deal set to be finalized pending a medical examination and completion of formalities.
Lookman's Tumultuous Journey and Decision
Lookman's time at Atalanta reached its peak during the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, but relations deteriorated when he expressed his desire to leave during the summer transfer window of that year. Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from Turkish Super League giants Fenerbahce, the former Premier League star opted for Spanish football, demonstrating his commitment to competing at the highest level in Europe.
Multiple reports initially suggested Lookman would become the first Nigerian player to represent Los Rojiblancos, but historical records show that Abass Lawal made ten appearances for the club in the early 2000s, as documented by Transfermarkt. This transfer makes Lookman the fourth Super Eagles star currently active in Spain's premier football division.
Super Eagles Stars Making Their Mark in La Liga
The Nigerian presence in Spanish football has grown significantly, with several players establishing themselves as key contributors to their respective clubs.
Akor Adams: Nigeria's In-Form Attacker
Akor Adams has emerged as Nigeria's most prolific performer in La Liga, seamlessly translating his impressive form from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations back to club football. Since returning from the continental tournament, the Benue-born striker has netted three crucial goals, including two in a 2-2 draw against Elche and another in a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Adams joined his La Liga side from Montpellier in 2024 and has gradually adapted to the demands of Spanish football. This season, he has contributed six goals and two assists in sixteen appearances, with one of those goals coming in a memorable 4-1 triumph over Barcelona. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with La Liga recently sending him a message after he paid tribute to DR Congo's Patrice Lumumba, continuing his pattern of socially conscious celebrations that began during AFCON.
Chidera Ejuke: Seeking Consistency in Sevilla
Chidera Ejuke arrived at Sevilla in the summer of 2024 as part of a triple Nigerian signing that also included Kelechi Iheanacho and Akor Adams. The winger joined as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Russian club CSKA Moscow, but his transition to Spanish football has been challenging.
Ejuke has struggled to find consistent form while battling injuries, managing only three league goals this season. Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, he has yet to secure a starting position, highlighting the competitive nature of La Liga and the adjustment period required for new arrivals.
Sadiq Umar: Overcoming Adversity in Spain
Sadiq Umar's Spanish journey began in 2020 when he signed a five-year contract with UD Almeria from Serbian Premier League side Partizan Belgrade. His career took a significant turn in 2022 with a move to Real Sociedad, but disaster struck just days later when he suffered an ACL injury that disrupted his progress.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at Valencia, Umar made the move permanent on January 8, 2026, following his inability to feature for Sociedad during the early stages of the current campaign. His perseverance through injury setbacks demonstrates the resilience required to succeed at the highest levels of European football.
The Growing Nigerian Influence in Spanish Football
The increasing presence of Super Eagles stars in La Liga reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian talent in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. From Lookman's high-profile transfer to Adams' consistent goal-scoring and Umar's determined comeback from injury, these players are carving out important roles for themselves while raising the profile of Nigerian football internationally.
As Lookman begins his new chapter with Atalanta, he joins a growing contingent of Nigerian professionals who are not only representing their country with distinction but also proving that African players can excel in Europe's top football competitions. Their collective success serves as inspiration for aspiring footballers across Nigeria and demonstrates the global reach of Nigerian sporting talent.
