Super Eagles coach Finidi George said it was heartwarming to see Ademola Lookman blasting home three goals to hand his club Atalanta the Europa League trophy against Victor Boniface’s Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
Finidi who won the Euro Champions League with Ajax in 1995 said more Super Eagles players need to raise their game in Europe, because it is something that would rub off on the national team.
It was Lookman’s night as the Super Eagles striker netted three unreplied goals with sublime finishing to deny teammates Boniface and Nathan Tella the opportunity of adding another silverware to their collection after they had won the Bundesliga without losing any match.
“For me as a Nigerian I am delighted, I’m happy our players are performing, doing so well in Europe. This is the best time for Nigerians that are playing in Europe.
“Ademola is a player that we need. We love him and I’m glad for him that he had that spectacular performance. I sent him a message to congratulate him, not just him, Boniface and Tella.
“For a very long time we’ve not had players doing so well in Europe and me being the head coach of Super Eagles I think it’s wonderful for me. We need all these players to come back home and perform for us.
“As a Nigerian I’m so delighted and I’m happy for Lookman that his team has won the Europa League and him scoring three goals which has not happened in a very long time, or maybe in the history of the Europa League so I’m quite happy for him and looking forward to having him in camp.”
Meanwhile Finidi has dismissed speculations concerning the player who would wear the captain’s armband for the Super Eagles.
“ We’re not stripping Ekong of captaincy according to some reports. I cannot do that.
“Ekong is our captain, Omeruo also is our captain, as well as Musa. If they’re not around, we’ll look at those that are available and the players will agree on their captain, not me as a coach. “They have to be comfortable with that person, my duty is to make sure the team has a good frame of mind and good tactics,” the former Super Eagles captain said, quelling the rumours.
