By Aaior K. Comfort

Nigeria international striker Ademola Lookman is excited about showcasing his talents in the UEFA Champions League, following Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

In their second group match, Lookman played a pivotal role, scoring one goal and contributing to two others in a match where Atalanta outperformed Shakhtar, who had previously drawn 0-0 with Arsenal. Lookman expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, saying, “Atalanta played a great game against an excellent Champions League team like Shakhtar. A 3-0 victory at the European level is fantastic, and we are pleased with both the result and our overall performance. We excelled in duels and maintained our intensity throughout the match. We aim to continue this momentum.”

The 26-year-old forward, who notably scored a hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, emphasized the significance of the Champions League, stating, “It is special, and all players aspire to compete in this competition. We are thrilled to be part of it and want to maintain our fighting spirit in every match, not just in Europe.”

Regarding his Man of the Match award, Lookman remarked, “It’s always rewarding to receive these accolades, but I wouldn’t have achieved this without the team’s effort, and today we all played well.”

Lookman, a strong contender for the African Footballer of the Year due to his recent performances, acknowledged that he is on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist. “I focus on improving and getting stronger each day. That’s what matters most to me. My work ethic and goals remain unchanged,” he stated.

Discussing Atalanta’s robust attacking lineup, which features new signings like Nicolò Zaniolo, Luka Samardzic, and Mateo Retegui, Lookman said, “We have a talented group of attackers with diverse skill sets. Everyone is eager to showcase their abilities. Playing alongside such players is fantastic; they help me grow as a player.”