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Ademola Lookman Named Africa’s Best Player
The talented forward for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Ademola Lookman, has been honoured as the ‘Best African International Footballer’ at the Ghana Football Awards.
Lookman received this recognition due to his outstanding performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire while representing Nigeria and his contributions to his Serie A club, Atalanta.
SportXparte reports that throughout the tournament, the 27-year-old scored three goals in seven matches, aiding the Super Eagles in securing a second-place finish.
Lookman played a crucial role in Atalanta’s triumph in the UEFA Europa League, notably scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
In his impressive season, he also included 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team.
Lookman’s victory over his international teammate, Victor Osimhen and Burkinabe star Edmund Tapsoba in the race for this prestigious award is a testament to the competitive spirit in football.
Euro 2024: Barcelona’s Pedri Beats Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record
In other news, Spanish prodigy, Pedri, has recently etched his name in European football history, surpassing the record set by Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
At just 21, he now holds the title for the most tournament appearances by a European player aged 21 or under.
Sportxparte reports that this achievement was accomplished during Spain’s victory over Georgia in the Euro 2024 last-16 match.
At just 21 years and 218 days old, Pedri made his 13th appearance in a European Championship or World Cup, surpassing Ronaldo’s previous record.
What makes Pedri’s achievement even more remarkable is its rarity. He has started in four Euro knockout stage games while still under the age of 21, a feat unmatched by any other player.
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This uniqueness adds to the significance of his achievement.
This remarkable milestone surpasses Ronaldo’s 12 tournament appearances for Portugal before his 22nd birthday, during Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
Pedri’s journey to this record-breaking moment began with his senior international debut at the tender age of 18 in March 2021. His meteoric rise in the football world has culminated in this historic achievement.
