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Tag: Ademola Lookman

  • Ademola Lookman Set for Blockbuster Move to Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day

    Ademola Lookman Set for Blockbuster Move to Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day

    A TikTok video by Sky Sports News (shared via Yahoo Sports) has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian sports community as Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman is reportedly finalizing a move to Atletico Madrid. On this winter transfer deadline day, the Atalanta forward is the subject of intense negotiations, with the Spanish giants closing in on a deal to bolster their attacking options.

    The move marks a significant step up for Lookman, whose stock has risen dramatically following his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final and consistent performances in Serie A. Atletico Madrid, having recently sold Conor Gallagher to Tottenham, are looking to Lookman’s explosive pace and clinical finishing to drive their La Liga and European campaigns.

    As the 1900 GMT deadline approaches for Europe’s top leagues, Lookman is the most high-profile African player on the move. Reports indicate that Atalanta has already begun looking for replacements, potentially acquiring Giacomo Raspadori to fill the void. The deal is expected to be one of the most expensive involving a Nigerian player in recent years.

    Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs are scrambling to finalize deals. Manchester City has already spent big on Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo, while Crystal Palace is dealing with a collapsed medical for Jean-Philippe Mateta, which could impact their late-window strategy.

    * Steve Douglas (Associated Press): “Atletico Madrid is close to signing Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.”

    * The Guardian (Live Update): “Transfer window shuts in England, France, Germany and Italy at 1900 GMT… Atletico Madrid is close to signing Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Lookman joining Diego Simeone’s Atletico is a match made in tactical heaven. Simeone loves hard-working, versatile forwards, and Lookman’s recent form suggests he can thrive under the intense pressure of the Metropolitano. This move solidifies him as Nigeria’s most “in-demand” player globally, potentially rivaling Victor Osimhen’s market influence.

    Source: Yahoo Sports — https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/transfer-deadline-premier-league-clubs-085554738.html February 2, 2026

    Photo Credit: Yahoo Sports

  • South African Forward Ademola Lookman Finalizes Landmark Move to Atlético Madrid

    South African Forward Ademola Lookman Finalizes Landmark Move to Atlético Madrid

    Figures cited by Premium Times show that Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has arrived in the Spanish capital to complete a high-profile transfer to Atlético Madrid. The 28-year-old forward, who enjoyed a stellar stint at Atalanta in Italy, is undergoing medical examinations today before signing a contract that is expected to make him one of the highest-paid Nigerian athletes in Europe.

    The move marks a significant step in Lookman’s career, as he joins the squad of the renowned Diego Simeone. His versatility and proven track record in the Europa League have made him a primary target for the Spanish giants, who are looking to revitalize their attacking options for the second half of the 2025/2026 season.

    Vanguard confirmed the agreement, stating that the deal was finalized after weeks of intense negotiations between the two clubs. A sports analyst quoted in the report said, “Lookman’s move to Madrid is a testament to the rising profile of Nigerian talent in elite football.” The Punch also validated the news, reporting that fans in Lagos and Madrid are already celebrating the deal; one headline noted: “Lookman is the final piece of Simeone’s puzzle.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Lookman’s move to La Liga is more than just a sports story; it’s a branding win for Nigerian football. His consistent performance at the highest level makes him a key asset for the Super Eagles ahead of upcoming international qualifiers. Watch for how his playing style adapts to the rigorous defensive philosophy of Atlético, and the potential impact on his market value by the 2026 World Cup.

    Source: BBCSport – https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c07xlzl9892o,  February 2, 2026

    Photo credit: BBCSport

  • Super Eagles Star Ademola Lookman Finalizes €40 Million Move to Atlético Madrid

    Super Eagles Star Ademola Lookman Finalizes €40 Million Move to Atlético Madrid

    In a report by Yahoo Sports, Nigerian international Ademola Lookman has successfully reached a final agreement to join Spanish giants Atlético Madrid. The deal, valued at approximately €40 million, involves a €35 million fixed fee with an additional €5 million in performance-based bonuses, marking one of the most significant winter transfers for a Nigerian player.

    Lookman, who famously scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final for Atalanta, reportedly snubbed a lucrative offer from Turkish club Fenerbahçe to play under Diego Simeone. The 28-year-old winger is scheduled to undergo his medical examinations in Madrid within the next few hours to finalize the long-term contract.

    The move is seen as a strategic bolster for Atlético Madrid’s attacking line as they look to close the gap on Real Madrid and Barcelona in La Liga. Lookman’s departure from Italy ends a successful stint where he became one of the most feared attackers in Serie A, consistently delivering high-level performances for both club and country.

    Logistical steps are already underway for the “Super Eagles” talisman to travel to Spain. Fans in Nigeria are closely monitoring the development, as Lookman follows in the footsteps of Nigerian legends who have graced the Spanish top flight, such as Finidi George and Mutiu Adepoju.

    * Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano on X): “Lookman has definitively chosen the Madrid club, despite strong offers from other teams… logistical steps are already underway.”

    * The Whistler (Official Website): “The agreement between Atalanta and Atlético Madrid consists of a €35m fixed fee, with an additional €5m in performance-related add-ons.”

    Echotitbits take:

    Lookman moving to a “gritty” defensive-minded team like Atlético is a fascinating stylistic match. Simeone prizes work rate and clinical finishing, two things Lookman has in abundance. This move elevates his profile significantly ahead of the next AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, making him arguably the most high-profile Super Eagle in a top-three European league right now.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/atletico-agree-e40m-deal-for-lookman-as-fenerbahce-atalanta-talks-stall/ February 1, 2026

    Photo Credit:  The Punch

  • Osimhen’s touchline flare-up sparks renewed debate on leadership and temperament

    Osimhen’s touchline flare-up sparks renewed debate on leadership and temperament

    Figures cited by The Guardian Nigeria highlight renewed concern about Victor Osimhen’s on-field temperament following a reported incident involving teammate Ademola Lookman.

    Other coverage suggests the situation may be contained internally, as unity messages and reports of apologies circulated afterward.

    The episode shows how one sideline moment can dominate the story cycle more than the result itself in today’s social-first sports media.

    • AP via SMDailyJournal (Web): “Just football… together always.”
    • Soccernet.ng (Web): “Osimhen… apologised to Lookman…”

    Echotitbits take: Star players now manage two games—on the pitch and online. Watch for official team comments, future lineup dynamics, and whether leadership narratives affect public-brand positioning.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria — 2026-01-09 —https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/848216-why-osimhens-temperament-matters-as-much-as-his-goals.html

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria 2026-01-09
    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • Victor Osimhen’s Temperament Sparks Concern in Eagles Camp

    Victor Osimhen’s Temperament Sparks Concern in Eagles Camp

    According to The Guardian, a visible on-pitch exchange between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during Nigeria’s 4-0 win over Mozambique raised questions about team harmony, despite Osimhen’s two-goal contribution.

    Osimhen has been described as outspoken and highly competitive, qualities that can drive standards but also create friction. Analysts worry public disputes could affect cohesion as Nigeria faces tougher opponents in the AFCON knockout rounds.

    Reports say coach José Peseiro held discussions with both players to de-escalate tensions, and some camp sources framed the incident as competitive emotion rather than a deeper rift.

    The Punch and Vanguard also referenced the incident and noted divided fan reactions online.

    Echotitbits take: High intensity can be fuel or fire. If Nigeria keeps winning, it reads as passion; if results dip, discipline questions will dominate headlines. Watch for visible unity in training and match celebrations.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/848216-why-osimhens-temperament-matters-as-much-as-his-goals.html 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Super Eagles begin AFCON with gritty 2–1 win over Tanzania

    Super Eagles begin AFCON with gritty 2–1 win over Tanzania

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-24 08:28:00

    According to The Nation, Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their AFCON run with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Group C, securing early points in the tournament.

    Nigeria struck first through Semi Ajayi, then had to respond after Tanzania’s second-half equaliser before Ademola Lookman restored the lead to seal the win.

    The result sets a positive tone, but the narrow margin also highlights the need for sharper game management and defensive concentration as tougher fixtures approach.

    Al Jazeera described the game as Nigeria “edge past Tanzania to make winning start to AFCON 2025.” ESPN also noted: “Ademola Lookman’s second-half winner helped Nigeria overcome a Tanzania fightback.”

    Echotitbits take: Winning early matters, but AFCON rewards consistency. Watch for midfield control and defensive transitions against stronger opponents—and whether chance creation improves beyond moments of individual brilliance.

    Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-super-eagles-beat-tanzania-in-first-afcon-game/)
    The Nation 2025-12-23