SportsNews

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.

SportsNews

Transfer: Osimhen accepts €16m per year offer to leave Napoli

Published

1 hour ago

July 6, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, appears to have made a decision on his future.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen has accepted a €16 million-per-year contract from Galatasaray.

It is claimed the 26-year-old has already communicated his desire to continue with the Turkish giants.

Osimhen spent the whole of last season with Galatasaray, helping them win the title and League Cup.

Amid a lack of interest from Europe’s top teams, Osimhen now wants to make the move permanent.

Galatasaray’s push to secure the Super Eagles striker has reportedly attracted significant backing from club sponsors.

The sponsors are prepared to step in to help trigger his €75 million release clause at Napoli.

SportsNews

Transfer: You’re free to go – Maresca tells Madueke amid Arsenal interest

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has told Noni Madueke that he is free to leave the Premier League club this summer.

Arsenal are believed to hold an interest in adding Madueke to their squad.

The Gunners have reportedly initiated fresh round of transfer talks, with Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at £50 million.

Madueke only moved to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 and has a contract with the club until 2030.

However, Jamie Gittens’ arrival from Borussia Dortmund could now lead to Madueke’s exit.

Speaking to reporters, Maresca said: “Noni has been very important for us during this season. Today, again, he has been important.

“But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.”

SportsNews

‘He’s born to Nigerian parents’ – Atalanta confirms new signing Ahanor could play for Super Eagles

Published

1 day ago

July 5, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Nigerian left-footed defender, Honest Ovonranwen Ahanor, has joined Ademola Lookman at Atalanta.

The club announced the player’s arrival on Friday, confirming he was born to Nigerian parents.

They signed the defender from another Serie A side, Genoa to bring their summer signings to three.

The Italian side have already signed the likes of Odilon Kossounou from Bayer Leverkusen and Kamaldeen Sulemana from Southampton.

Ahanor became first player born in 2008 to appear in the Italian Serie A last season.

He was 16-year-old when he made his full Serie A debut for his former club against Juventus.

He went on to play as much as six games in the top-flight last term.

Atalanta confirmed that the highly rated defender is eligible to play for Nigeria through his Nigerian parents.

Atalanta wrote on their official website, “Born on February 23, 2008 in Aversa to Nigerian parents, Honest joined Genoa’s youth sector when he was still a child.”

He has not played for Italy at any level, making it easy for Nigeria to call him up.