FORMER Nigeria internationals Odion Ighalo and Garba Lawal have expressed strong confidence that Ademola Lookman will become a central figure at Atletico Madrid, following the winger’s impressive start since his January switch from Atalanta BC.
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Lookman, a former African Footballer of the Year, sealed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Spanish giants after a prolonged transfer saga. Since arriving in Madrid, he has wasted little time making his presence felt, registering five goal involvements in five appearances across all competitions.
The dynamic forward announced himself in style, scoring on both his Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League debuts for the club, a feat that has quickly endeared him to supporters at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Ighalo, who previously starred for Manchester United, believes the move to Spain represents a natural progression for Lookman after his successful spell in Serie A.
“Lookman is a good player, and moving to La Liga is a good step for his career,” Ighalo said in an interview with Winwin. “He performed well in Italy, and now he has joined Atletico Madrid, one of the big clubs in Spain.”
The former Super Eagles striker emphasized that working under Atletico’s long-serving manager, Diego Simeone, could be pivotal to Lookman’s development.
“I think playing under Diego Simeone will be very beneficial for him because he is a very tactical and intelligent coach,” Ighalo added.
Simeone, known for his disciplined, high-intensity style, has built Atletico into one of Europe’s most competitive sides, and Ighalo believes Lookman’s pace, creativity and directness align well with the Argentine’s philosophy.
Garba Lawal echoed Ighalo’s optimism, describing Lookman as a “wonder boy” who has already begun adapting seamlessly to life in Madrid.
“He played great against Club Brugge,” Lawal told Footy Africa. “He linked well and combined with his teammates. Once he understands them fully, I think he’s going to be difficult to stop.”
Lawal also highlighted the timing of the move, insisting Lookman made the right decision at the right stage of his career.
“He’s at the right age and period of his career. To play for a big club like this in a competition like the Champions League is great. He’ll definitely score more goals before the end of the season,” Lawal said.
Lookman arrives in Spain on the back of a prolific stint in Italy. During his time at Atalanta, he contributed directly to 82 goals in 137 appearances, a remarkable return that established him as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attacking players.
His performances in Bergamo earned him continental recognition and cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s brightest football exports.
While he is yet to score his first La Liga goal after two appearances, his early impact in domestic cup and European competition has sparked widespread belief that it is only a matter of time before he finds the net in Spain’s top flight.
For Atletico Madrid, Lookman represents both immediate attacking reinforcement and long-term investment. For Nigeria, he remains a symbol of the country’s growing influence in European football.
With Ighalo and Lawal publicly backing his move, expectations are rising but so too is confidence.
If his first five matches are any indication, Ademola Lookman’s journey in Madrid may just be beginning and it could be a memorable one.