'It will be a really good final' - Atalanta manager impressed with Lookman's performances at AFCON

Speaking at a press conference held at the Centro Bortolotti ahead of his side's Serie A clash with Genoa, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini touched on the performances of Ademola Lookman with the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

The 2017 Fifa U20 World Cup winner with England has not been available for selection for the last seven matches played by Atalanta since the start of 2024 due to his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations. 

Lookman has lit up the Africa Cup of Nations, directly participating in four goals (3 goals, 1 assist), more than any other Nigerian player in the tournament. 

With all the attention on Victor Osimhen, Lookman has stepped up to the plate, scoring a brace against Cameroon and the game-winner against Angola plus provided the assist in the opening day draw versus Equatorial Guinea. 

The fact that the Atalanta striker was the dirtiest player on parade in matches against Cameroon and South Africa is a testament to his hard work and defensive contributions to the Troost-Ekong-led defence that were on the brink of posting five consecutive clean sheets, only to concede a 90th minute goal in the semifinals. 

In quotes relayed by Tuttosport, Gasperini said: "Ademola was decisive for Nigeria , it will be a really good final. Bakker? I have never made a distinction based on market value, Bakker must perform well, we are quite a lot in that department "

Lookman is expected to make his fourteenth start for the Super Eagles in tonight's final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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