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Salomon Kalou Backs Ademola Lookman Despite Quiet Outing in Atletico’s Win Over Barcelona

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2 hours ago

1:52 am

Salomon Kalou Backs Ademola Lookman Despite Quiet Outing in Atletico’s Win Over Barcelona

Former Salomon Kalou has thrown his support behind Ademola Lookman, insisting the forward continues to enjoy strong backing from fans across Africa as he pursues success in the UEFA Champions League with Atletico Madrid.

Kalou made the remarks after Lookman’s subdued display in Atletico’s 2–0 victory over FC Barcelona in the first leg of their quarter-final clash at the Camp Nou.

Lookman, who joined Atletico from Atalanta BC during the winter transfer window, was substituted in the second half for Alexander Sørloth, who later added the second goal. Julián Álvarez had earlier given Atletico the lead with a superb free-kick.

Speaking on SuperSport, Kalou explained that the tactical demands of the game limited Lookman’s usual attacking influence.

“In this kind of game, I am sure he didn’t enjoy the match because he had to defend more than he had to attack,” Kalou said.

Despite the quiet outing, the former Chelsea FC forward stressed that the result remains the most important takeaway, with Atletico now well-positioned to reach the semi-finals.

“His strength is to go forward but still when you have the victory you are happy to go back home, knowing that you have the chance to qualify for the semis,” he added.

Kalou also expressed confidence in Lookman’s ability, emphasizing that African fans will continue to rally behind him.

“I hope he will get there because he is a great player and all Africans will be rooting for him,” he concluded.

Lookman has enjoyed a strong Champions League campaign so far, registering two goals and four assists in 12 appearances, and will be eager to make a bigger impact in the return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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