By DAYO ADESULU
Nigerian Fans Taunt Ghanaians Amidst Rivalry
Following his impressive 14th-place finish at the 2024 Ballon d’Or Ceremony held in Paris, Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has become a topic of celebration among fans online. Lookman, playing for Atalanta, was the only African player on the 30-man shortlist, marking a significant achievement in his career.
The Competitive Spirit Between Nigeria and Ghana
The longstanding rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana extends beyond sports, manifesting in playful banter and social media exchanges. Lookman’s recognition at the Ballon d’Or has provided Nigerian fans with an opportunity to celebrate their star player while playfully teasing their Ghanaian counterparts.
Highlights from the Ceremony
At the ceremony, Rodri of Manchester City was awarded the prestigious Golden Ball, surpassing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, thanks to his significant contributions to his club and national team over the past season. The announcement of the remaining rankings allowed fans to see where their favorite players stood.
Lookman’s achievement was particularly notable as he finished as the second-highest-rated Serie A player on the list, following Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan, who secured the seventh position.
Social Media Reactions
Nigerian fans took to social media platforms, especially X, to express their pride in Lookman’s accomplishment while simultaneously poking fun at Ghanaians:
- Seun PP congratulated Lookman and remarked, “Congratulations to our very own Lookman for your achievement as one of the best players in the world. My Charlie brothers, how market?”
- Ethan Emmanuel quipped, “Ghana wishes that Lookman was from Accra, but we know that was just a wish.”
- Daevid humorously noted, “Pain went straight to Sapafrikans and Ghana.”
- Other fans echoed similar sentiments, with comments like “Ghana can’t relate! Congratulations, champ,” and “Where is Ghana?”
Lookman’s Stellar Performance
Ademola Lookman’s successful year has not only earned him a spot in the Ballon d’Or rankings but has also made him a front-runner for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award. His contributions to the Nigerian national team during the AFCON and his remarkable performance in the Europa League, where he scored a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, have solidified his status as a top player.
During the 2023/24 Serie A season, Lookman scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 31 appearances, showcasing his talent and impact on the field.
Conclusion
Ademola Lookman’s recognition at the Ballon d’Or is a source of pride for Nigeria, further fueling the competitive spirit between Nigerian and Ghanaian fans. As Lookman continues to excel in his career, he remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent. The playful rivalry adds an entertaining layer to the celebration of his achievements, highlighting the passion and camaraderie among football fans in West Africa.
