'Better than Saka' - Ex-Super Eagles star hails Lookman for outranking Arsenal forward in Ballon d'Or

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba has expressed his excitement over Ademola Lookman's impressive performance in the Ballon d'Or rankings, where he finished ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea stars.

Aiyenugba highlighted this achievement as a significant milestone for both Lookman and Nigerian football, as the forward secured the fourteenth spot, surpassing prominent players like Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Chelsea's Cole Palmer.

In an interview with allnigeriasoccer.com, Aiyenugba conveyed his delight over Lookman's achievement, asserting that the young player is a superior talent compared to Saka.

"Finishing ahead of Saka and the other guys was a great one for him and Nigeria. He is a young player who is still growing, it is a great one for him and I am happy for him," Aiyenugba remarked.

He emphasized Lookman's strengths as a winger, noting that he possesses a unique ability to maintain possession and create opportunities.

"To me, he is better than Saka, the way he plays, he plays from the wing. Saka also plays from the wing but can keep more of the ball, move and do more. Saka is Nigerian by blood but plays for England but for me, Lookman is better."

Aiyenugba also expressed optimism for Lookman's future, believing that with continued improvement, he could contend for the top spot in the prestigious award.

"Finishing fourteenth is a great achievement for Lookman for the first time he had a good run throughout last year and this season he is having a good run, he just scored a couple of goals last season. He is still in his learning process and I think next time he can be number one."

At the glamorous ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, Lookman’s fourteenth-place ranking was a highlight, placing him ahead of notable stars like Saka (21st), Ødegaard (19th), and Palmer (25th).

This recognition marks a significant milestone in Lookman’s career and adds his name to the illustrious list of legendary Nigerian players acknowledged at the Ballon d'Or, including Finidi George, Sunday Oliseh, Victor Osimhen, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha.

Adeyemi Adewale

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