Afrigather 
Tremendous Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has expressed his admiration for Ademola Lookman’s spectacular Ballon d’Or rating, sharing a easy however heartfelt response, Soccernet.ng stories.
In a stunning ceremony held in Paris, France, on Monday night time, Atalanta ahead Lookman was recognised because the 14th greatest participant on the planet this yr.
The Nigerian winger was the one African participant to obtain a nomination this yr and completed because the second-highest-ranked Serie A participant, simply behind Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
Although Lookman missed breaking into the highest 10 — a feat solely achieved by fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen final yr — his 14th place highlights his exceptional type over the previous season.
Troost-Ekong took to social media to voice his satisfaction, quoting a publish about Lookman’s achievement with a single phrase: “Proud.”
https://twitter.com/WTroostEkong/standing/1851037723840151784
This straightforward message encapsulated the satisfaction of each the participant and Nigerian followers for Lookman’s accomplishment.
Each Troost-Ekong and Lookman have additionally been nominated for the CAF African Participant of the 12 months award, with Lookman rising as a high contender.
The ahead’s standout performances have been instrumental in Atalanta’s historic Europa League win, the place he netted a hat-trick within the closing in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen. His total contribution of 17 targets and 11 assists final season speaks volumes about his attacking brilliance.
For Nigeria, Lookman’s three targets have been essential to the Tremendous Eagles’ run to the ultimate of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, the place they completed as runners-up.
This season, Lookman continues to excel, already tallying 5 targets and three assists, with a kind of targets scored for Nigeria within the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in opposition to Benin Republic.
Manchester Metropolis midfielder Rodri emerged because the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, beating Actual Madrid’s Vinicius Jr to the celebrated prize.
