Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman attributed his development as a player to his experience with the Nigerian national team after leading La Dea to their first trophy in 61 years.

Lookman scored all three goals in a decisive 3-0 victory over Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday night.

“It’s incredible [to play for Nigeria]. The support and the love I get back home from the people is unbelievable,” he told the UEFA official website.

“It gives me the motivation to evolve in different areas – as a person, not just in my game.”

Ademola Lookman (L) celebrates after scoring during the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 round match between Cameroon and Nigeria at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium. (Photo by Haykel Hmima/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Europa League success marked a significant turnaround for Lookman, who narrowly lost the Coppa Italia final with his Club to Juventus 1-0 just a week ago.

Additionally, Lookman had lost the Africa Cup of Nations final with Nigeria to Cote d’Ivoire.

The 26-year-old made history by becoming the first player to score three goals in a Europa League final and the first African to achieve a hat trick in a European football final.

The former Leicester City and Fulham forward has 20 goals for Club and country this season.