Nigerian Lookman scores in Copa del Rey final as Real Sociedad claims €1.2M prize
Real Sociedad clinched the 2026 Copa del Rey title by defeating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Saturday's final held at Sevilla's Estadio La Cartuja. Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman got Atletico Madrid's side on the scoresheet, canceling out Ander Barrenetxea's early opener before Mikel Oyarzabal and Julian Alvarez traded goals to force extra time and penalties.
According to Diario AS, the Royal Spanish Football Federation awarded €1.2 million to champions Real Sociedad and €1 million to runners-up Atletico Madrid. Lookman's penalty conversion was among the four successful kicks that secured victory for the Basque side.
For Nigerian football fans, Lookman's performance in this prestigious continental final reinforces the growing impact of Nigerian players in Europe's elite competitions. His ability to deliver in high-stakes matches like this Copa del Rey showdown speaks to the quality being produced by Nigerian academies and leagues.
What does Lookman's contribution in such a high-pressure final suggest about the trajectory of Nigerian talent heading into the next World Cup cycle?