William Troost-Ekong celebrated Ademola Lookman’s performance in the Serie clash against Napoli, on Sunday.
Lookman bagged a brace to inspire Atalanta in a shock 3-0 victory against the title chasing Gli Azzurri.
The winger scored his first inside the opening 10 minutes and followed up with his second just past the half-hour mark.
Mateo Retegui added a third in stoppage time to hand Antonio Conte only his second defeat of the league season.
After the game Lookman shared a social media post celebrating his performance, a slight dig at Napoli fans it seemed.
Happy Sunday from Naples ⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/xMiQqZ7fnv
— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) November 3, 2024
The player’s performance won him plaudits, and one from national teammate and fellow CAF Awards nominee, William Troost-Ekong.
It was a simple post of the Atalanta star’s name and appreciation emojis.
L⚽️⚽️KMAN 🚀😮💨👏🏽
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 3, 2024
The CAF Awards Debate
While he left a mark at the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Ademola Lookman is expected to do more and pick up this year’s African Player of the Year award.
He’s the bookmakers overwhelming favorite for the orb, but could there be a case made for Ekong?
The 31-year-old CB led Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, inspiring the team with his leadership to reach the finals.
Ekong finished the tournament with two goals, one behind Lookman’s tally – including one in the final against Cote d’Ivoire.
William Troost-Ekong had such a big influence on Nigeria’s run to the final, so much so he was also voted MVP of the tournament.
Troost-Ekong holds the AFCON Golden Ball award. (Photo by DANIEL BELOUMOU OLOMO/AFP via Getty Images)
A Greek Super League title may not match Lookman’s MOTM performance in the triumphant Europa League final, but Ekong’s resume in the year under review for an African award is a real contender criteria.
Meanwhile, Ekong was in action for Al Kholood in a Saudi Pro League match at the weekend against Al- Taawoun.
It was his 9th appearance of the season and he has one goal to his name.
Al Kholood were forced to settle for a point after Myziane Maolida’s 18th minute strike was cancelled out by Musa Barrow (32′) and eventually for a draw.
