'Deserves a dinner' - Lookman highlights Belgian international's key contribution in win against Napoli

Ademola Lookman has heaped praise on teammate and Belgian international, Charles De Ketelaere, after their crucial 3-0 victory against Napoli on Sunday afternoon.

The former Leicester City forward, who scored a brace, assisted by De Ketelaere's vital contributions, disclosed his teammate "definitely deserves a dinner" after assisting him in both goals.

Lookman opened the scoring just 10 minutes into the game when Atalanta's high pressing forced Napoli into a defensive error. 

A cross into the Napoli area, initially cleared by Mathias Olivera, was headed back in by Marten de Roon.

De Ketelaere then skillfully flicked the ball toward the far post, setting up Lookman for a precision volley that put Atalanta ahead.

Half an hour into the match, Lookman struck again with a spectacular long-range effort, giving the visitors a two-goal cushion. 

The Super Eagles forward combined smoothly with De Ketelaere, receiving the ball just outside the penalty area before firing a powerful shot past Napoli's goalkeeper, Alex Meret.

With the victory nearly secured, Lookman was substituted for Lazar Samardzic in the 76th minute, allowing him some much-needed rest before the UEFA Champions League clash against Stuttgart.

In a post-match interview with DAZN via ilmionapoli, Lookman highlighted De Ketelaere's impressive performance, suggesting he "definitely deserves a dinner" for his invaluable contributions to the team's success at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

"Yes, of course! Charles played very well and did a great job. It's always a pleasure when your teammates put you in the right position to score. 

"I'm really happy with Charles's contribution and the whole team's contribution. It's nice to see how we work together and help each other.

"He did an exceptional job today, so I would say he definitely deserves a dinner. It will be a pleasure to offer it to him," Lookman said, smiling as he hinted at treating De Ketelaere to a well-deserved dinner.

With the brace against Napoli, Lookman has scored 16 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions this year, the highest of any player in Serie A. The 27-year-old has also reached double figures in goal involvement in Serie A this season, contributing six goals and four assists.

As Nigeria seeks qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament, Austin Eguavoen will hope that the Super Eagles forward can maintain his impressive form and help lead Nigeria to the biennial event.

In November, Nigeria will face Benin and Rwanda in the final group matches of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. 

Currently, the Super Eagles sit atop Group D with 10 points, and needs a draw in both games to secure qualification for the biennial tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale

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