Ademola Lookman was awarded the African Golden Ball during the event organized yesterday in Marrakech by African Football Confederation. This is the certification of an extraordinary year by the Atalanta striker, winner of the Europa League as an absolute protagonist (hat-trick in the final). Then in the last Africa Cup of Nations he reached the final stage with Nigeria also thanks to three very heavy goals against Cameroon (2) and Angola (one) in the round of 16 and quarterfinals.
The technical commissioner of Super Eagles until a few months ago he was the Portuguese José weighing machinewho spoke to Sportitalia to talk to us about this success on the part of the Bergamo player and also about other footballers trained by him and who are talked about in Italy.
Josè, what are your next goals as a coach?
“I have received several offers for national teams and clubs, but so far there has been no agreement with any of them. At the moment I have some situations that could materialize, let’s see.”
What do you think of the African Ballon d’Or won by Lookman?
“I believe Lookman’s victory is deserved given his performances both for Atalanta, his club, and for his country, Nigeria.”
In this regard: he was also decisive in the last Africa Cup of Nations. What chords did you and Gasperini touch to make it explode like this in 2024?
“I think giving Lookman the freedom to move allowed him to showcase his quality, both in terms of decision making and execution. Naturally the club and Gasperini provided Lookman with the environment to grow as a player in all aspects.”
What limits does it have now? And can Atalanta dream of winning the Scudetto or even the Champions League with him?
“I can say that under Gasperini Atalanta has shown remarkable development and growth, the manager has made them one of the best teams in Italy and Europe at the moment.”
Speaking of the Champions League: do you see any Italian team with a chance of winning?
“Winning the Champions League is very difficult. Since 2010 (the year in which Inter won), no Italian team has lifted the trophy, despite having reached three finals (Juventus twice and Inter once). In football, however, everything is possible and Inter and Atalanta, despite strong competition, can aim for the final.”
I ask her her opinion on two Milan players: her compatriot Leao and another player she had with Nigeria, Chukwueze.
“Two excellent players. I coached one (Samuel) in the Nigerian national team, and the other (Rafael) I would have really liked to do at Sporting. Extraordinary players, with great quality and potential to grow further. And I believe that Paulo Fonseca will help them become even better.”
You gave Dele-Bashiru his debut in the national team. What do you think of him, who has also started to show up with Lazio?
“His qualities really impressed us when we were looking at the players we could call up. He is proving his worth, while still adapting to the needs of Italian football and Lazio. With the necessary time he will reach the consistency required in the competition and in the club.”
Regarding Osimhen: he had to manage it in a difficult moment for him. Are you surprised to see him in Türkiye today? And how would you see him at Juventus, given that there are often rumors about it?
“Victor, due to various circumstances, is in Turkey today, but I believe that in the near future he can reach (as he was very close to doing) the top clubs in Europe, such as Juventus”.
