Ademola Lookman wrote his name into Nigerian football history on April 18, 2026, scoring in the Copa del Rey final to end a 29-year wait for a Super Eagles goal on Spain’s biggest domestic stage — even as Atletico Madrid ultimately fell to Real Sociedad in a penalty shootout.
The last Nigerian to find the net in a Copa del Rey final was Finidi George, who achieved the feat in 1997. Lookman’s goal against Real Sociedad placed him alongside that select group of Super Eagles players who have delivered meaningful contributions in Spain’s premier cup competition.
The final at no point lacked drama. Real Sociedad struck inside the opening minute through Ander Barrenetxea, putting Atletico on the back foot almost immediately. Lookman responded 17 minutes later, latching onto a pass from Antoine Griezmann, shifting the ball onto his left foot, and driving a low, precise strike past goalkeeper Unai Simón to level the contest.
Lookman remained an active presence in the first half, combining effectively with Griezmann and creating danger in transition. However, Atletico went into the break behind after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to restore Real Sociedad’s lead.
Atletico continued to press after the interval, with Lookman continuing to threaten before being withdrawn just after the hour mark. Julián Álvarez eventually drew Atletico level late in regulation, taking the final into extra time. With neither side able to separate themselves over the additional 30 minutes, the Copa del Rey title was settled from the spot.
Real Sociedad converted four of their penalty attempts against Atletico’s three, claiming the trophy and ending the Madrid club’s hopes of ending what had been a five-year wait for silverware. For Diego Simeone’s side, attention now turns to the UEFA Champions League as their remaining route to a trophy this season.
For Lookman personally, the evening represented a notable individual milestone within a difficult collective outcome. The 27-year-old forward, who joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in La Liga this season. His Copa del Rey final goal adds to a growing list of contributions on high-profile occasions, including his hat-trick for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final.
Finidi George, the Nigerian winger whose 1997 Copa del Rey final goal Lookman’s strike now matches in historical significance, was part of a Barcelona side that dominated Spanish football in that era. The 29-year gap between Nigerian goals in the competition underlines just how rare an achievement Lookman’s strike represents, regardless of the final result.
