Reigning CAF Player of the Year Lookman seeks breakthrough goal as Atalanta host Slavia Prague

Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman is set to start for Atalanta B.C. against Czech side Slavia Prague in a decisive UEFA Champions League matchday three fixture today, with the former CAF Player of the Year under pressure to end a seven-game goal drought for club and country.

The match in Bergamo offers Lookman a crucial platform to rediscover his golden touch, especially after being a notable omission from the 10-man shortlist for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award, a title he won just last year.

The surprising exclusion of the reigning 2024 African Footballer of the Year from the shortlist has drawn attention to the 28-year-old's current form.

Lookman, whose historic Europa League final hat-trick last season sealed his CAF award, has yet to record a goal or an assist for La Dea in the new season, a stark contrast to his previous heroics.

According to UEFA reports, the Nigerian's role in the starting XI against Slavia Prague is designed to spark his scoring return.

Manager Ivan Juric is banking on the forward to inject efficiency into an attack that has been inconsistent, coming off a goalless home draw against Lazio in Serie A.

The Champions League tie carries significant weight for both clubs. Atalanta, who recovered from an opening defeat to Paris Saint-Germain to secure a 2-1 comeback win over Club Brugge on Matchday 2, are looking to build momentum in the league phase. A victory is vital to fortify their position in the quest for a knockout stage spot.

Conversely, Slavia Prague arrive in Bergamo on a dismal 13-game winless streak in the competition, with their last Champions League victory dating back to September 2007.

Despite their winless run, the Czech champions are a threat, and their coach Jindrich Trpisovsky, per the UEFA report, highlighted that Lookman is not the only danger his side must watch out for.

Lookman’s dip in form follows a summer of intense transfer speculation, which saw him linked with a move to Inter Milan, a saga that reportedly disrupted his pre-season preparations.

His current struggle to convert chances reflects a broader need for clinical finishing at Atalanta, who rely on his capacity to isolate defenders and create space.

While the CAF Player of the Year award is now a duel between compatriot Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, and Achraf Hakimi, a return to scoring form for Lookman could drastically alter his season trajectory and silence critics who point to his slow start as the reason for his CAF award snub.

For Atalanta, his breakthrough is essential for a successful European campaign and a climb up the Serie A table.

Lookman needs a memorable performance tonight to shift the narrative from his CAF Awards omission back to his on-field impact.