In a development that will delight Nigerian football fans, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has rediscovered his scoring touch at a crucial moment. The 28-year-old found the net for the second consecutive match, helping his Italian club Atalanta to a vital 2-0 Serie A victory over Fiorentina on Sunday, November 30.
Lookman's Decisive Contribution Seals Vital Win
The match, which was new coach Raffaele Palladino's first home game in charge, was critical for a Bergamo side mired in an eight-game winless streak in the league. The deadlock was broken by a spectacular first-time strike from defender Odilon Kossounou, his first ever Serie A goal.
Lookman, who had earlier missed a chance created by a poor back-pass from Fiorentina's David De Gea, made no mistake in the second half. When a powerful header from teammate Charles De Ketelaere was parried by De Gea, Lookman reacted quickest to slam the rebound into the roof of the net, effectively sealing the three points for Atalanta and lifting them to 11th place.
Perfect Timing for Nigeria's AFCON Campaign
This goal follows another strike by Lookman in the UEFA Champions League earlier in the week, marking his first back-to-back scoring run this season. For the Nigerian national team, the timing of this resurgence could not be more perfect.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) just weeks away, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is in the process of finalising his preliminary squad. Lookman's recent struggles for form during Nigeria's World Cup qualifying matches had been a concern, with the attacker often appearing isolated.
His return to decisive goal-scoring actions for Atalanta provides a major confidence boost for both the player and the technical crew. Lookman is expected to be a key figure in Nigeria's quest for a fourth continental title, and his sharpness in front of goal could be the difference in tight tournament matches.
A Welcome Response from La Dea
The victory was a significant relief for Atalanta and their new manager, ending a prolonged domestic drought. In contrast, it deepened the crisis for Fiorentina and their coach Paolo Vanoli, who is yet to secure a league win.
For Ademola Lookman, these performances represent a clear return to form. His ability to be in the right place at the right time and finish clinically offers major encouragement as Nigeria's preparations for AFCON 2025 intensify. All signs now point to the forward peaking at exactly the right moment for the Super Eagles.
