Former Super Eagles midfielder and coach Sunday Oliseh has hailed Ademola Lookman after he was shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

The Atalanta forward was nominated among the 30 best players for the coveted prize by the French Football Magazine.

The 26-year-old is the only African star shortlisted in the top 30 nominees by the French Football Magazine.

The Nigerian international had a stellar campaign last season, helping Atalanta to their first European title after netting a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final.

The former Leicester City loanee also registered 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.

Lookman became the 8th Super Eagles star to be nominated for the prestigious award after Finidi George (1995), Daniel Amokachi (1995), Jay-Jay Okocha (1995), Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), Sunday Oliseh (1998), and Victor Osimhen (2023).

Reacting to Ademola Lookman’s recent feat, Sunday Oliseh took to social media to congratulate the former RB Leipzig man for joining the elite group of Super Eagles all-time Ballon d’Or nominees.

“Congratulations to Ademola Lookman for joining this exclusive list of Nigerians who were worldwide acclaimed! Naija’s all-time magnificent 7 just became THE MAGNIFICENT 8. Delighted and welcome to the Club, Lil bro,” the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder wrote on X.

Congratulations to Ademola Lookman for joining this exclusive list of Nigerians who were worldwide acclaimed! Naija's all-time magnificent 7 just became THE MAGNIFICENT 8. Delighted and welcome to the Club Lil bro pic.twitter.com/1larNsZbUL

— Sunday Oliseh (@SundayOOliseh) September 5, 2024