Ademola Lookman Joins Atlético Madrid, Becomes Second Nigerian Male Player in Club History 

Atlético Madrid have officially completed the signing of Ademola Lookman from Italian side Atalanta, confirming reports that the Nigerian forward is set to strengthen Diego Simeone’s squad ahead of the second half of the 2025–26 season. The 28-year-old attacker becomes the second Nigerian male footballer to represent the Spanish giants, following Abass Lawal (2000–2001).

Lookman, known for his explosive pace and technical skill, has previously made his trade across Europe’s top leagues. After early years in England with Charlton Athletic and Everton, he moved to RB Leipzig in Germany, where he showcased his dribbling and attacking versatility. His recent tenure at Atalanta in Serie A has only solidified his reputation as a dynamic winger capable of influencing high-stakes matches.

The move to Atlético Madrid represents a new chapter in Lookman’s career, as he joins a squad renowned for its tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and European ambitions. Simeone’s side is currently competing on multiple fronts in La Liga and continental competitions, and Lookman’s arrival is expected to provide fresh attacking options.

According to reports, Atlético Madrid secured Lookman’s services for a transfer fee of €35 million, with potential bonuses adding up to €5 million. The forward has signed a long-term contract running until June 2030, signaling the club’s confidence in his ability to make an immediate impact.

Lookman’s arrival at the Wanda Metropolitano is not just a personal milestone, it’s a moment for Nigerian football. By following in the footsteps of Abass Lawal, who briefly represented Atlético Madrid during the 2000–01 season, Lookman becomes only the second Nigerian male player in the club’s history, shining a spotlight on the growing influence of Nigerian talent in Europe.

For Atlético, the addition of a player with Lookman’s speed, creativity, and versatility could prove decisive in the final months of the season, particularly as the club chases domestic and continental honors. For Nigeria, it’s another moment to celebrate one of its finest footballing exports making waves on one of Europe’s biggest stages.

Tobi Amusan, Fireboy DML, and Victor Osimhen are among the five Nigerians Featured on Forbes Africa’s “30 Under 30” 2024 List

The 2024 and 10th editions of Forbes Africa’s annual 30 Under 30 list feature a well-diverse pool of African talents. The list contains some of the youngest and brightest in various fields, including entertainment, education, sports, technology, healthcare, art, and other industries.

On the list, we have talented Nigerians like the founder of Veekee JamesRuth Erikan James, singer-songwriter Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), Super Eagles footballer Victor Osimhen, track and field athlete Tobi Amusan, and founder and CEO of Mainlogix Technology, Josiah Akinloye, amongst others.

This year’s edition theme is “Passion, Purpose, and A Decade of the 30 Under 30 List,” celebrating the passion, creativity, and impact of Africans globally.

According to Forbes, Africa’s influence globally is on the rise, with 1.45 billion people across 54 countries driving its economies, largely propelled by its youthful demographic. The United Nations reports that 70% of sub-Saharan Africa is under 30, and by 2050, over a third of the world’s youth will reside in Africa. Experts predict that the continent’s wealth lies in its young, predominantly female population, making them prime investment prospects for the future.

Source: Forbes Africa

Nigerians featured on the list

  1. Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria
    Singer-songwriter
    Industry: Entertainment 
  2. Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria
    Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles
    Industry: Sport (Football)
  3. Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria
    Track and Field Athlete
    Industry: Sport-Athletics
  4. Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria
    Founder, Veekee James
    Industry: Fashion
  5. Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria
    Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology
    Industry: Automation and Technology

“For a decade, we have unpacked the unmistakable potential and story of Africa’s youth. And Forbes Africa’s 10th 30 Under 30 list too has ambition and adrenaline packed into this special issue. These purpose-minded 20-something achievers are on the way up, overcoming the odds in their quest to become tomorrow’s titans and billionaires, making a huge difference in the countries, companies, and communities they serve,” Forbes Africa, Managing Editor, Renuka Methil.

To get featured on the list, applications need to be submitted via official channels. Part of the rigorous reporting and vetting process also involved going through social media profiles, police clearance reports, reference letters from financial institutions, and testimonials from colleagues, collaborators, business partners, and employees of the short-listed nominees.

Background checks were conducted on potential candidates, which included reviewing documentation to ensure there are no criminal records, troubling lawsuits or bankruptcy, and/or allegations of crime, misconduct, sexual harassment, abuse, or fraud.

‘Dilli Dark’ Trailer: First Look At Indian-Nigerian Comedy

Dilli Dark is an Indian-Nigerian cross-culture comedy film exploring the life of an African in the beautiful city of New Delhi, India.

The movie follows the journey of a Nigerian, Michael Okeke, who dreams of living in New Delhi and obtaining his MBA. Yet, his aspirations are obstructed by his previous life as a drug dealer. Michael, being African, has to navigate the Indian culture as he will face racial discrimination.

The movie stars Nollywood actor Samuel Abiola Robinson, Geetika Vidya Ohlyan and Shantanu Anam. Directed by Dibakar Das Roy.

I am back!!! And happy to be Announcing my Next film DILLI DARK; A film about racial discrimination and what life is like for people with darker skin in Delhi and India as a whole,” Samuel Robinson.

The director tells IANS that the film was conceived as an amalgamation of ideas that stemmed from personal experiences including being bullied for having dark skin as well as events that happen in Delhi — racial prejudices against Africans and other dark-skinned people — that brought together themes of race, colour and identity. (Outlook)

See the trailer below:

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