23rd May, 2024
By Paul Dada
Hat-trick scoring Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, says the support he gets from Nigerians motivates him to do more in his footballing career.
Lookman’ s stunning hat-trick on Wednesday night in the Europa League final encounter with Bayer Leverkusen’s, ensured the victory of the Serie A side.
The London-born Nigerian international with his performance in the encounter set a record of becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975.
The 26-year-old who had represented England at youth football levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria, said: “It’s incredible, and I have said this in earlier interviews: the unwavering support and love I get back home is unbelievable; it gives me the motivation to try to inspire myself and try to evolve in different areas, not just in my game but as a person.
“It has taken me to a new level. Competing in AFCON this January, unfortunately, we lost in the final, but it catapulted us as Super Eagles, and the support back home is incredible.”
He also said: “Probably, I’ve always had the confidence to create and score goals and help my teammates.
“In the past few years, I’ve been able to take my game to a new level and show that on a more consistent basis.
“I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made, but this is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this.”