•Ademola Lookman
Jubilant fans took to social media to celebrate Ademola Lookman following his 14th-place finish at the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris on Monday night, taunting arch-rivals Ghanaians.
The rivalry between Ghana
and Nigeria has deep-rooted history, extending beyond the realm of sports, with fans of both countries making meals of opportunities to banter with each other, reports The PUNCH.
On Monday, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri beat Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the Golden Ball for helping the Premier League club and Spanish national team to silverwares last season.
As the midfielder was rewarded for his sensational 2023/24 campaign, the rest of the 30-man shortlist found out their final positions in the voting.
Lookman, who finished in the 14th position, was the only African player included on the 30-player shortlist and the second-highest-rated Serie A player on the list, behind Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in seventh.
Reacting to the Atalanta forward’s significant milestone, some Nigerian football enthusiasts congratulated the former Everton player, but not without slamming the Ghanaians.
Seun PP wrote on X, “Congratulations to our very own Lookman for your achievement as one of the best players in the world. My Charlie brothers, how market?”
Ethan Emmanuel stated, “Ghana wishes that Lookman was from Accra, but we know that was just a wish.”
99Kriistien tweeted, “Ghana people go think say na church programme.”
Throwing a shade at Ghanaians, Daevid said, “Pain went straight to Sapafrikans and Ghana.”
“Ghana can’t relate! Congratulations, champ,’ Zee simply wrote.”
Oladapo Olayinka added, “Ghana brazaa, where is the cup massa?”
Justice Osabuohien mockingly said, “Ghana go think say na cinema he go watch.”
Delis rhetorically asked, “Where is Ghana?”
Engr. Olami wrote, “Ghana should please come outside.”
Lookman is also the overwhelming favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his AFCON exploits with Nigeria and historic and remarkable Europa League feat with Atalanta, as well as his Ballon d’Or nomination.
The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year that saw him score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta.
