Due to a sprained ankle injury, Ademola Lookman, a forward for the Super Eagles, will miss Atalanta’s Serie A match against Sassuolo on Saturday.
The injury occurred during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast, and Lookman, who returned to Atalanta on Wednesday, will not be available for selection for the league match scheduled for the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, according to Alfredo Pedulla.
Lookman was named to the CAF Best XI of the AFCON alongside his fellow countrymen, Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong.
Lookman scored three goals and provided an assist to lead Nigeria to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where they were defeated by the hosts.
Before joining the Nigerian team for the AFCON competition, the 26-year-old forward scored seven goals and provided three assists for Atalanta.In the meantime, the former winger for Leicester City and RB Leipzig has given Nigerian fans hope that their team, the Eagles, will recover from their lopsided 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the AFCON championship game.
This assurance was provided by Lookman on his X page on Friday. The Super Eagles led 1-0 through William Troost-Ekong, but Franck Kessie of Ivory Coast tied the score with a help from Simon Adingra, who also assisted Sebastian Haller in securing the victory.Lookman wrote, “We did not quite make it, but we tried our hardest and will be back.”
“I am eternally thankful for the fans and thank you for all of your love and support.”In addition, Lookman commended Haller for being an inspiration and the hosts, Ivory Coast, for their outstanding resurgence.
Sebastian Haller, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in July 2022, scored the game’s winning goal to help Ivory Coast, who were about to lose their last two group matches and crash out of the tournament, win their third AFCON championship at the expense of Nigeria.
“Congratulations to the hosts, Sebastian Haller and the Ivory Coast, you are an inspiration to all,” he continued. May God bless you.