Super Eagles Stars, Lookman, Okoye Set For Serie A Showdown As Atalanta Face Udinese

01 Nov 2025, 08:26 by Ernest Victor · Naija News

Nigerian internationals Ademola Lookman and Maduka Okoye will face off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, when Atalanta head to the Bluenergy Stadium to take on Udinese in a Serie A encounter.

It has been a turbulent start to the season for Ademola Lookman. After months of tension with Atalanta’s management over a failed transfer to Inter Milan, the forward finally found the net in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw against AC Milan, marking his first goal of the campaign.

It was a much-needed breakthrough for the 28-year-old, who was frozen out of the squad earlier in the season after going on strike during the summer transfer window.

His return to the fold began with a short substitute appearance in September’s 3-0 win at Torino before earning a start in the Champions League against Club Brugge.

Now, with Turkish side Galatasaray reportedly renewing their interest, the reigning African Player of the Year is said to be asking for double his current salary of €4.6 million as part of any potential deal.

At the other end of the pitch, Maduka Okoye is rediscovering his rhythm after serving a two-month suspension for betting irregularities.

Despite Udinese’s 3-1 loss to Juventus on Wednesday night, the 26-year-old goalkeeper was one of the standout performers, pulling off nine saves, five from inside the box, and earning an 8.2 Sofascore rating, the highest on the pitch.

“I’ve been out for a while, and it’s always difficult to be without football, but the goalkeeping coaches and the players have always helped me. I feel good, I’m happy, I want to grow, and I learn every day,” Okoye said.

His strong performances could put him back in contention for a recall to the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff against Gabon next month.

Atalanta, the only unbeaten side in Serie A this season, have developed a habit of sharing points, drawing seven of their nine league matches.

They dominated AC Milan in midweek but once again settled for a draw. Lookman is expected to lead the attack on Saturday, with Gianluca Scamacca and Nikola Krstovic still struggling to find form.