As Europe’s top club competitions reach their thrilling climax, African players are making headlines in UEFA Europa League 2024. Stay tuned to Live99 Soccer for all the updates on the Europa League and the incredible African talent making history.

One African player has already etched his name into football lore. Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman became the first African to score a hat-trick in a European final, leading Atalanta to victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final. The 26-year-old’s three-goal performance ended Atalanta’s 61-year trophy drought and halted Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak.

Can El Kaabi Fire Greek Giants to Maiden Title?

Olympiakos, despite their 47 Greek league titles, have yet to secure a major continental trophy. Moroccan striker Ayoub El Kaabi has been pivotal in their progress to the Europa Conference League final, becoming the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals. Half of these came in the semi-final win over Aston Villa, where he netted a hat-trick in the first leg and two more in the return leg, sealing a 6-2 aggregate victory.

The final, set for Wednesday, 29 May at the home of rivals AEK Athens, will see Olympiakos face Fiorentina, featuring Angola forward M’bala Nzola and Ghana midfielder Alfred Duncan. Nzola has scored three goals, including an injury-time winner in the semi-finals, while Duncan has been a steady presence throughout the Football Online campaign.

Haller Eyes Nations Cup and Champions League Double

Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastien Haller could achieve a rare feat by winning both the Africa Cup of Nations and the Champions League in the same season. The Ivorian striker, who overcame testicular cancer, scored the winner in the Nations Cup final and now aims for European glory against Real Madrid on Saturday, 1 June. Haller could join the exclusive club of players who have won major continental titles in both Africa and Europe in one season, a feat previously achieved by Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Geremi.

Lookman Celebrates Atalanta Triumph in UEFA Europa League 2024

Ademola Lookman had a dream performance in the Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s victory. His achievement places him among legends like Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo di Stefano. “I’ve always believed in my ability,” Lookman remarked, “This is only the start. I strive for many more glory nights like today.”

Despite the triumph, Bayer Leverkusen’s strong African contingent, including Victor Boniface, Nathan Tella, Edmund Tapsoba, and Amine Adli, were left disappointed. Leverkusen’s Ivory Coast defender Odilon Kossounou, who was an unused substitute, also missed out on adding the Europa League title to his Nations Cup victory.

For comprehensive coverage of these stories and more, follow Live99 Soccer as we bring you all the action and insights from the UEFA Europa League 2024 and other top European competitions.