Sports

Ademola Lookman Listed 14th in Ballon d’Or Ranking

Published

6 months ago

October 29, 2024

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has achieved a significant milestone, ranking 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.

This was announced Monday evening in Paris, France by the Ballon d’Or organiser.

The Nigerian international, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, received his first nomination for the prestigious award.

The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Following impressive contributions for both club and country, Lookman has been recognised as one of the top football talents this year.

Lookman is also the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his historic and remarkable Europa League exploits with Atalanta and his Ballon d’Or nomination, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta, making him the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

Last year, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen finished in eighth position in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ceremony in Paris, The PUNCH reports.

Osimhen finished ahead of prominent players such as Karim Benzema, Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski, and Mohamed Salah in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings.

He became the first Nigerian footballer to be shortlisted for the award in 24 years, with former Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu the last Nigerian player to receive a nomination in 1999.

Sports

BREAKING! Arsenal hammer relegation Bound Ipswich 4-0

Published

41 minutes ago

April 20, 2025

ADMIN

Relegation bound Ipswich was on Sunday hammered 4-0 by Arsenal.

Arsenal from the blast of the whistle meant business when in the 14tth minute through a cross from Bukayo Saka was pulled through by Trossard.

Still in the first half, another pull out by Saka was flipped backward by Trossard to Gabriel Martinelli who netted the second goal in the 29th minute.

Thereafter it was a ding dong affair as Saka missed three major opportunities to increase the tally.

Towards the end of the first half, Ipswich defender, Davis fouled Saka and he was immediately red carded by the referee.

Trossard hits his first brace at the 69th minute when he powered the ball into Ipswich net.

Nwaneri who replaced Saka made it four goals at the 87th minute .

Sports

Just in: Aston Villa trounce Newcastle 4-1

Published

21 hours ago

April 19, 2025

ADMIN

Aston Villa on Saturday dealt terrible blow on Newcastle thrashing the strong side 4-1.

Details shortly…

Sports

Watch highlights of Manchester United’s 5-4 ‘comeback’ win over Lyon in Europa League

Published

1 day ago

April 19, 2025

Admin

Manchester United staged a remarkable comeback against French side Lyon, securing a thrilling 5-4 victory in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte opened the scoring for United in the 10th minute, calmly slotting home a pull-back from a teammate. Before the end of the first half, defender Diogo Dalot netted a second goal to extend their lead.

However, Lyon mounted a strong second-half response. Corentin Tolisso capitalised on a spilled save from Andre Onana to pull one back, and Nicolás Tagliafico leveled the score with a composed finish past the goalkeeper.

In extra time, Ryan Cherki scored in the 104th minute to give Lyon the lead, followed by Alexandre Lacazette, who made it 4-2 with a well-placed effort.

United responded with renewed intensity. Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty to narrow the gap, Kobbie Mainoo equalized in the 120th minute, and a dramatic header from Harry Maguire sealed a stunning 5-4 victory at Old Trafford.

The Premier League side advanced to the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 7-6 aggregate scoreline.

Manchester United will face Athletic Bilbao in the semi-finals, scheduled for May 1 and May 8, 2025.

The other semi-final tie will feature Bodo/Glimt against Tottenham Hotspur.

Watch highlights of the match below: