Ademola Lookman missing: UCL releases Player of the Week nominees

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was notably absent from the UEFA Champions League Player of the Week nominees, despite his impressive recent performance for Atalanta against Eintracht Frankfurt. 

Super Eagles forward Lookman ended his long-awaited drought in the competition this season after an impressive second half display to lead the Serie A side to a big win on Wednesday night.

The 28-year-old had a significant impact in Atalanta’s commanding 3-0 victory, scoring one goal and assisting another. However, this was not enough to secure him a spot on the UCL’s exclusive list of nominees.

The Player of the Week nominations featured some standout performers, including two Africans alongside football and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe and PSG’s Vitinha. 

Leading the nominees is Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored both goals for Marseille in their win over Newcastle United. 

Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy also impressed, netting a brace for Borussia Dortmund in their clash against Villarreal.

But former World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe remains a favourite for the award after his extraordinary four-goal haul against Olympiacos, a performance that once again demonstrated his elite status in European football. 

Completing the nominees was Vitinha, who secured a hat-trick for PSG, a reminder of his growing influence at the French giants.

While Lookman’s goal and assist highlighted his quality and importance to Atalanta, UEFA’s Player of the Week nod eluded him this time around, showing just how competitive the Champions League performances have been this season. 

Nigerians and Atalanta fans will watch keenly to see if Lookman can break into this prestigious list in upcoming fixtures.