Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has etched his name in the annals of African football history by becoming the fourth Nigerian player to score three or more goals in the knockout stages of a single Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Lookman secured his place in this exclusive list by netting the winning goal in the Super Eagles’ hard-fought 1-0 victory against Angola’s Palancas Negras on Friday night.

The 26-year-old previously showcased his prowess by scoring a brace in Nigeria’s Round of 16 triumph over perennial rivals Cameroon the previous week. This exceptional achievement places Lookman in the esteemed company of the late Rashidi Yekini, who first accomplished this feat during the AFCON 1994 finals in Tunisia. Additionally, former midfielder Austine Jay Jay Okocha joined the ranks at the 2004 edition hosted by Tunisia. Furthermore, Odion Ighalo achieved the same distinction five years ago in Egypt.