Ademola Lookman, hailed as a hero for Atalanta, credits playing for Nigeria for improving his skills.
In the Europa League final in Dublin, Lookman scored all three goals as La Dea triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, securing their first trophy in over six decades.
This victory came after Atalanta’s loss in the Coppa Italia final and Nigeria’s defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Lookman, who previously played for England at youth levels, made a successful switch to representing Nigeria at the senior level.
“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.”
