Excited fans flooded social media to celebrate Ademola Lookman after his 14th place finish at the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris on Monday night, playfully mocking his arch-rivals, the Ghanaians.
The rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria has a deep-rooted history, extending beyond the realm of sports, with fans of both countries taking advantage of opportunities to joke with each other.
On Monday, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri beat Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the Ballon d’Or for helping the Premier League club and the Spanish national team win titles last season .
While the midfielder was rewarded for his sensational 2023/24 campaign, the rest of the 30-strong shortlist learned their final voting position.
Lookman, who finished in 14th position, was the only African player included in the 30-man list and the second highest-rated Serie A player on the list, behind Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martínez in seventh place.
Given the important milestone of the Atalanta forward, some Nigerian football fans congratulated the former Everton player, but not before criticizing the Ghanaians.
Son PP wrote in X, “Congratulations to our Lookman on his achievement as one of the best players in the world. My brothers Charlie, how do you market?
Ethan Emmanuel stated: “Ghana wishes Lookman was from Accra, but we know it was just a wish.”
99Kriistien tweeted, “The people of Ghana are going to think about a church program.”
Casting a shadow on Ghanaians, Daevid said: “The pain came directly to Sapafrikans and to Ghana.”
“Ghana cannot identify itself! Congratulations, champion.’ Zee just wrote.”
Oladapo Olayinka added: “Ghana brazaa, where is the masa cup?”
Judge Osabuohien said mockingly: “Ghana go think, go to the cinema, he will watch.”
Delis asked rhetorically: “Where is Ghana?”
Ing. Olami wrote, “Ghana should please leave.”
Lookman is also the heavy favorite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, following his AFCON exploits with Nigeria and his historic and notable Europa League feat with Atalanta, as well as his Ballon d’Or nomination.
The Atalanta star made history by being the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s win over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Lookman’s nomination comes as no surprise after an exceptional year in which he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta.
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