Lookman’s Hat-Trick Powers Atalanta To Historic Europa League Triumph

Published

1 year ago

May 23, 2024

Ademola Lookman fired Atalanta to Europa League glory with a sensational hat-trick, sealing a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final on Wednesday.

This triumph marks Atalanta’s second major trophy in their 117-year history and breaks Italy’s 25-year drought in the competition, last won by Parma in 1999 when it was known as the UEFA Cup.

Manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed immense pride in his squad, heralding the victory as the end of “cursed” years for Italian clubs in the Europa League.

Lookman, whose career resurgence under Gasperini has been noteworthy, opened the scoring early with a precise finish after a brilliant run by Davide Zappacosta.

He doubled the lead with a stunning right-footed strike from outside the box, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Leverkusen.

The Nigerian forward completed his hat-trick 15 minutes before full-time, sealing the fate of the German champions, who had been unbeaten in 51 games before this final.

Ademola Lookman etched his name in the history books on Wednesday by becoming the first player to ever score a hat-trick in a Europa League final.

Euro 2025 semi-final fixtures confirmed

Published

26 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

The line-up for the semi-finals of the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament has been confirmed.

Germany were the last team to qualify, following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over France on Saturday night.

The game had ended 1-1 after 120 minutes after Grace Geyoro’s early penalty was cancelled out by Sjoeke Nusken’s header in the first half.

Ann-Katrin Berger was the hero, scoring a penalty and saving two in the shoot-out.

Germany will now take on Spain for a place in the final.

The other semi-final will see England take on Italy in Geneva.

SEMI-FINALS

July 22
England vs Italy (Geneva)

July 23
Germany vs Spain (Zurich)

WAFCON 2024: Top scorers ahead of semi-final fixtures

Published

29 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Senegal’s Nguenar Ndiaye are currently the joint-top scorers at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, WAFCON.

Chebbak and Ndiaye have four goals each to their names ahead of the semi-final fixtures.

Recall that Ghana defeated Algeria 4-2 on penalty shoot-out in the quarter-final following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes on Saturday evening.

The outcome ensured Ghana advance to the last-4 stage where they will face Morocco on Tuesday night.

Also, South Africa defeated Senegal via penalty shoot-out in the other quarter-final encounter played on Saturday night.

South Africa will now face Nigeria in the semi-final fixture on Tuesday evening.

Top scorers at WAFCON so far:

Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) – 4 goals
Nguenar Ndiaye (Senegal) – 4 goals
Barbra Banda (Zambia) – 3 goals
Racheal Kundananji (Zambia) – 3 goals
Ibtissam Jraïdi (Morocco) – 3 goals
Chinwendu Ihezuo (Nigeria) – 3 goals
Mama Diop (Senegal) – 2 goals
Alice Kusi (Ghana) – 2 goals
Yasmine Mrabet (Morocco) – 2 goals

SportsNews

Transfer: Osimhen to meet Galatasaray fans Tuesday

Published

54 minutes ago

July 20, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen will meet with Galatasaray fans on Tuesday.

This was disclosed by football commentator, Hakan Gündoğar, who said Tuesday would be Osimhen’s arrival date in Istanbul.

“Osimhen will be in Istanbul on Tuesday. Clear information. He will meet with Galatasaray fans on Tuesday,” Gündoğar said (via habersarikirmizi).

“Galatasaray fans are expected to make one of the most historic welcomes for Victor Osimhen.”

Recall that Galatasaray and Napoli have both agreed on bank guarantees and payment plans for Osimhen‘s permanent transfer to the Turkish Super Lig champions this summer.

Galatasaray will pay the Serie A giants Osimhen’s €75m release clause in two instalments – €40m now and €35m within one year.

Osimhen, who spent the whole of last season at Galatasaray from Napoli had turned down huge money offers from Saudi Arabia club Al Hilal in order to move to Turkey.