Football

Nigeria's Lookman, South Africa's Williams Nominated for African Player of the YearNigerian striker Ademola Lookman and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams have been shortlisted for the prestigious African Player of the Year award, along with three other standout performers. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the five nominees on Monday, with Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy completing the list.Lookman, who plays for Italian club Atalanta, is considered the frontrunner for the award after his impressive performance in the UEFA Europa League last season. The 25-year-old scored a hat-trick in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the final, helping his team secure the title.Williams, on the other hand, has been a key figure for South Africa's national team and his club, Mamelodi Sundowns. The 30-year-old goalkeeper has been praised for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities and leadership qualities.Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is another strong contender for the award. The 24-year-old defender has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world, known for his attacking prowess and defensive solidity.Adingra, who plays for Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise, has also impressed with his performances this season. The 21-year-old winger has scored 10 goals in 23 league appearances, helping his team to the top of the Belgian First Division A standings.Guirassy, who plays for French club Rennes, is the only striker on the shortlist besides Lookman. The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals in 25 league appearances this season, showcasing his clinical finishing and aerial ability.Surprisingly, Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, who has won the award twice before, has been omitted from the nominees. The Egyptian forward has had another stellar season with his club, scoring 23 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.The African Player of the Year award will be presented at a ceremony in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh on December 16. The event will also recognize outstanding achievements in various categories, including men's and women's football, as well as youth and coaching.

Atalanta's remarkable journey culminated in a historic triumph as they shattered Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and claimed the Europa League title with a resounding 3-0 victory. Ademola Lookman emerged as the hero, etching his name in the annals of European football with a stunning hat-trick.Lookman's first goal, a clinical finish in the 12th minute, set the tone for Atalanta's dominance. The Nigerian forward, who has found a new lease of life in Bergamo, displayed his predatory instincts, capitalizing on Exequiel Palacios's lapse in concentration.Leverkusen, known for their late fightbacks, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Their slow start proved costly, and Lookman's second goal, a nutmeg on Granit Xhaka followed by a powerful shot, left them reeling.Xabi Alonso's decision to start without a recognized striker backfired, and the introduction of Victor Boniface at half-time failed to spark a revival. Atalanta's defense, marshaled by Rafael Toloi and Berat Djimsiti, held firm, while their counter-attacking threat remained potent.Lookman completed his hat-trick with another moment of brilliance, skipping past Edmond Tapsoba and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal sealed Atalanta's triumph and sent their fans into raptures.For Atalanta, this victory represents a culmination of years of hard work and dedication under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini. The club, long overshadowed by AC and Inter Milan, has finally achieved continental glory, proving that financial might is not the only path to success.Leverkusen's unbeaten run, which had stretched to 51 matches, came to an abrupt end. Despite their disappointment, they can take solace in their remarkable season, which saw them secure a first-ever Bundesliga title.