Jubilant followers took to social media to have a good time Ademola Lookman following his 14th-place end on the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, taunting arch-rivals Ghanaians, The PUNCH studies.
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria has deep-rooted historical past, extending past the realm of sports activities, with followers of each international locations making meals of alternatives to banter with one another.
On Monday, Manchester Metropolis and Spain midfielder Rodri beat Actual Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the Golden Ball for serving to the Premier League membership and Spanish nationwide staff to silverwares final season.
Because the midfielder was rewarded for his sensational 2023/24 marketing campaign, the remainder of the 30-man shortlist came upon their closing positions within the voting.
Lookman, who completed within the 14th place, was the one African participant included on the 30-player shortlist and the second-highest-rated Serie A participant on the checklist, behind Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez in seventh.
Reacting to the Atalanta ahead’s vital milestone, some Nigerian soccer fanatics congratulated the previous Everton participant, however not with out slamming the Ghanaians.
Seun PP wrote on X, “Congratulations to our very personal Lookman to your achievement as among the best gamers on this planet. My Charlie brothers, how market?”
Ethan Emmanuel said, “Ghana needs that Lookman was from Accra, however we all know that was only a want.”
99Kriistien tweeted, “Ghana folks go assume say na church programme.”
Throwing a shade at Ghanaians, Daevid stated, “Ache went straight to Sapafrikans and Ghana.”
“Ghana can’t relate! Congratulations, champ,’ Zee merely wrote.”
Oladapo Olayinka added, “Ghana brazaa, the place is the cup massa?”
Justice Osabuohien mockingly stated, “Ghana go assume, say na cinema, he go watch.”
Delis rhetorically requested, “The place is Ghana?”
Engr. Olami wrote, “Ghana ought to please come exterior.”
Lookman can also be the overwhelming favorite for the 2024 CAF Participant of the 12 months award, following his AFCON exploits with Nigeria and historic and memorable Europa League feat with Atalanta, in addition to his Ballon d’Or nomination.
The Atalanta star made historical past as the primary participant to attain a hat-trick in a European membership competitors closing throughout his membership’s conquer Bayer Leverkusen final season.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no shock after an distinctive yr that noticed him rating 11 targets and supply seven assists in 31 Serie A video games for Atalanta.