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Lookman has been named Player of the Match after his hat-trick won the UEFA Europa League final in Dublin for Atalanta

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  • Lookman has been named Hankook Player of the Match after his hat-trick won the UEFA Europa League final in Dublin for Atalanta

Super Eagles’ Lookman Ademola scored an hat trick on Wednesday evening to win Atlanta FC the Europa cup against the hitherto unbeaten Bayern Leverkusen side.
Ademola scored a brace in the first half of the pulsating final before grabbing a hat trick in the second half to win the Italian side the first major trophy in its history.

As soon as the final whistle was blown, players and technical crew members of the Atlanta side ran to lift the Nigerian-born super star afloat in a dramatic frenetic victory dance.

The UEFA Technical Observer panel’s assessment of the Nigerian’s performance said it all: “For obvious reasons and his all-round enthusiasm and energy. Really sharp and his execution was spot on.”

The first EVER African Player to score Hattrick in the Final of a major UEFA Competion. Ademola Lookman!

“I’ve always had the confidence in my ability to create, to score goals, to help my team-mates,” the 26-year-old said in the post-match press conference. “In the past two years I’ve been able to take my game to a whole new level. Maybe [my best form] could have come earlier, but it’s come now. This is just the beginning. I hope for more nights like this and to just keep getting better and better.”

FIRS

Lookman is only the third Nigerian player to find the net in a UEFA Cup or Europa League final, after Alex Iwobi in Arsenal’s 4-1 loss to Chelsea in 2019 and Joe Aribo, who scored Rangers’ goal as they lost on penalties to Eintracht Frankfurt two years ago. He is also only the third Nigerian to appear in a final win in the competition, after Taribo West (Inter Milan, 1998) and Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moskva, 2005).

After the game, he said that playing international football for Nigeria had helped him to raise his game. “It’s incredible [to play for Nigeria],” he explained. “The support and the love I get back home from the people is unbelievable. It gives me the motivation to evolve in different areas – as a person, not just in my game.”


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Ronaldo Nets Brace with Late Penalty to Clinch Al Nassr’s 2–1 Victory Over Al Fayha

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Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr vs Al Fayha 2025
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Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved decisive as Al Nassr extended their flawless start to the Saudi Pro League season with a 2–1 victory over Al Fayha at Al-Awwal Park on Saturday night.

Ronaldo, 40, equalized in the 37th minute with a trademark header after Jason had given Al Fayha a shock lead in the 13th minute. With the game heading for a draw, the Portuguese superstar stepped up deep into stoppage time to convert a 104th-minute penalty, securing all three points for Al Nassr and preserving their perfect 8–0 league record.

The brace took Ronaldo’s astonishing career tally to 952 goals, putting him just 48 goals away from the 1,000-goal milestone a landmark no professional footballer has ever achieved.

Adding to the family’s celebration, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., aged 15, also made headlines earlier in the day after scoring on his debut for Portugal’s U-16 national team, further fueling talk of a new Ronaldo generation on the rise.

FIRS

Ronaldo’s spirited post-match Saudi dance celebration delighted fans inside Al-Awwal Park and underscored his continued influence both on and off the pitch.

With the win, Al Nassr remain top of the Saudi Pro League, continuing their dominant run under coach Luis Castro, while Al Fayha drop further into mid-table despite a brave showing.

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Manchester United Rally to 2–2 Draw Against Nottingham Forest at City Ground

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Manchester United fought back twice to secure a 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, marking exactly one year since Rúben Amorim took charge and extending their unbeaten run in all competitions.

The Red Devils started brightly and took the lead in the 35th minute through Casemiro, who headed home from a Bruno Fernandes corner to give United control of the game.

Forest, however, responded swiftly as Morgan Gibbs-White equalized with a composed finish before halftime, capitalizing on a lapse in United’s defensive organization.

In the second half, the hosts went ahead when Chris Wood struck in the 65th minute, punishing Diogo Dalot’s misjudged clearance.

FIRS

United, determined not to lose, found their way back into the game through Amad Diallo, who unleashed a stunning long-range effort in the 78th minute to make it 2–2.

Despite United’s attacking pressure late on, Forest held firm, buoyed by a dominant midfield performance from Elliot Anderson, who recorded 14 recoveries and a 100% tackle success rate.

The result keeps Manchester United in second place on goal difference, while Nottingham Forest continue to build momentum under their new leadership.

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Arsenal Tops Burnley 2–0 with Gyökeres and Rice Headers

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Arsenal Beat Burnley 2–0 as Gyökeres and Rice Score in First-Half Headers
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Arsenal continued their impressive Premier League form with a 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the table to seven points.

The Gunners struck early through Viktor Gyökeres, who rose highest to head home from a corner in the 13th minute, before Declan Rice doubled the advantage in the 34th minute with a looping header from Leandro Trossard’s precise cross.

The result marked Arsenal’s fifth consecutive league win and seventh straight clean sheet, underlining Mikel Arteta’s side’s growing dominance both defensively and in attack.

FIRS

In the second half, Arsenal maintained control of possession, dictating the tempo and limiting Burnley to speculative efforts. Despite some late pressure from the hosts, David Raya remained largely untested as Arsenal comfortably saw out the win.

The victory strengthens Arsenal’s position at the summit of the Premier League table, with their title credentials looking increasingly convincing as the season progresses.

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Chelsea Edges Tottenham 1–0 on Caicedo’s Defensive Masterclass

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Chelsea Edges Tottenham 1–0 on Caicedo’s Defensive Masterclass
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Chelsea earned a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in a tense Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a brilliant defensive display from Moises Caicedo and a first-half strike by João Pedro.

The Ecuadorian midfielder was at the heart of Chelsea’s performance, breaking up play with relentless energy and precision. His double dispossession in midfield set up the swift counterattack that led to Pedro’s decisive goal.

Caicedo completed 12 tackles and interceptions, anchoring the midfield and giving Chelsea’s full-backs license to push forward. His composure and work rate helped Mauricio Pochettino’s men maintain control of possession and see out the narrow win.

Tottenham endured a frustrating night as Lucas Bergvall limped off early due to injury, while substitute Xavi Simons struggled to make an impact. Despite a late rally, Spurs failed to register a shot on target until the closing minutes.

FIRS

The defeat sees Tottenham drop to eighth place on the league table with 14 points, while Chelsea climb to third with 22 points as their resurgence under Pochettino continues.

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Premier League Unveils Eight Nominees for October 2025 Player of the Month

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Premier League names eight nominees for October 2025 Player of the Month, including Haaland, Mbeumo, and Timber. Fans can vote until November 3.
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The Premier League has unveiled eight nominees for the EA SPORTS Player of the Month award for October 2025, celebrating standout performances across the month.

Among the nominees are Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), and Jurrien Timber (Arsenal), each recognized for their decisive roles in their clubs’ impressive runs.

Mbeumo registered four goal involvements in three consecutive victories, Haaland netted all three of City’s goals in October to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race, while Timber was instrumental in three clean sheets, helping Arsenal maintain their place at the top of the table.

FIRS

Fans and football experts can cast their votes until November 3, after which the overall winner will be announced from the stellar shortlist representing some of the league’s finest form this season.

Premier League names eight nominees for October 2025 Player of the Month, including Haaland, Mbeumo, and Timber. Fans can vote until November 3.
Premier League names eight nominees for October 2025 Player of the Month, including Haaland, Mbeumo, and Timber. Fans can vote until November 3.

Vote here


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