Ademola Lookman: Four La Liga records Nigerian forward can break in 2026/27 season

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman is entering his first full La Liga season with Atlético Madrid and has been handed the number eleven jersey, Afrik-Foot reports.

After joining Atlético from Atalanta in January, the 28-year-old quickly adapted to life in Spain and is now expected to play a more prominent role in Diego Simeone’s new-look attack.

The departure of Griezmann and uncertainty surrounding several attacking players could give the Super Eagles star an opportunity to leave his mark at the Wanda Metropolitano.

For Lookman, however, the 2026/27 campaign could be about more than goals and assists. With a good outing, the one-time UEFA Europa League winner could rewrite Nigerian football history in Spain.

Four records Ademola Lookman can break

1. Become the third Nigerian to win La Liga

Lookman can join an exclusive Nigerian club by helping Atlético Madrid win the Spanish league title. Only two Nigerians have previously won La Liga: Samuel Okunowo and Emmanuel Amunike, both of whom were part of Barcelona’s successful side in the late 1990s.

Lookman now has an opportunity to become the third. However, it will not be straightforward.

Atlético enter the season under pressure to improve after an inconsistent previous campaign, while Real Madrid and Barcelona have strengthened their attack with key signings like Yan Diomande and Karim Adeyemi.

But the arrival of players such as Alejandro Grimaldo, Morten Hjulmand and Kang-in Lee has strengthened Simeone’s squad, while Lookman is among the players expected to play an important role in the new project.

For a player who has already won the Europa League, adding a La Liga title would be another significant achievement.

2. Break Christopher Ohen’s Nigerian goals record

This could be the most difficult record on the list. Christopher Ohen is the benchmark for Nigerian goals in a single La Liga season, scoring 17 goals for SD Compostela in 1996/97.

Ohen’s achievement has stood for almost three decades. Lookman’s challenge is to score 18.

The most he’s done in his career so far is 15, which came during his time at Atalanta, meaning Lookman would need the most productive league season of his career to surpass Ohen’s numbers.

3. Become the second Nigerian of the 21st century to win the Copa del Rey

Lookman could also make history in the Copa del Rey. Sadiq Umar became the latest Nigerian to collect a Copa del Rey winner’s medal last season after Real Sociedad lifted the trophy, despite the striker having already moved to Valencia.

That leaves Lookman with an opportunity to become the second Nigerian of the 21st century to achieve the feat.

Atlético came close last season, losing the final to Real Sociedad, a game where Lookman found the back of the net.

4. Set a new Nigerian assist record

This looks the likeliest attainable record for the former RB Leipzig attacker. Christantus Uche currently holds the Nigerian record for most assists in a single La Liga season, with six for Getafe in 2024/25.

Lookman’s ability to carry the ball, combine with forwards and create from the flanks means he could surpass Uche’s six-assist record, considering he already accrued three despite playing half a season for Los Colchoneros.

His relationship with Atlético’s attacking players will be crucial, particularly with Julián Álvarez remaining an important part of Simeone’s plans despite interest from Barcelona.

A chance to rewrite Nigerian history

Lookman does not need to break every record to have a successful first full season in Spain, but the opportunity is there.

A La Liga title would put him alongside Amunike and Okunowo. 18 league goals would finally knock Ohen off his 29-year perch. A Copa del Rey triumph would add another major Spanish honour, while seven assists would give him a new Nigerian benchmark.

Four targets, one season, and if Lookman can stay fit to reproduce the attacking form that made him seal a 14th-place Ballon d’Or position, the 2026/27 season could become one of the best individual campaigns by a Nigerian in Spanish football.