By Ogbitse Meyiwa
Ademola Lookman, who plays in the Italian league, Serie A, for Atalanta, and represents the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles, has been performing exceptionally well for both club and country. Not only is he skilled at passing the ball, but he has also consistently ensured that his presence on the field makes him a key player. His outstanding performances have contributed significantly to his team’s success, including winning the Europa League. He has also earned individual honours, such as Atalanta’s Player of the Season and being named in the Europa League Team of the Year.
Lookman has been in excellent form this season and last season, during which he showcased his goalscoring prowess. A standout moment came when he scored a hat-trick against the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, ending their unbeaten run. He concluded last season on a high note, with a combined total of 18 goals and assists for Atalanta. Additionally, he made significant contributions to his national team, scoring crucial goals in the AFCON Round of 16 and the quarter-finals.
Currently, Lookman has 16 goals and assists in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) this season, further solidifying his reputation as a top performer. There is no doubt that Ademola Lookman has been nothing short of impressive this season.
His remarkable achievements earned him a nomination for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) award, popularly known as the African Ballon d’Or. This prestigious award recognises the best African football players and figures. The ceremony honours male and female footballers excelling for their respective clubs and countries. It has been held annually since its inception in 1992.
Last year, Victor Osimhen won the award, and now Lookman has brought it back to Nigeria. He was declared the winner of the CAF Men’s African Player of the Year ahead of finalists Adingra and Guirassy (both from Ivory Coast), Hakimi (Morocco), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
Ademola Lookman reflected on his motivation for playing football, saying:
“We were once thrown out of our rented apartment because my parents couldn’t afford the rent. I was small then, but I remember everything. So, when I started playing football and earning a good salary, I decided to buy the house we were evicted from to preserve the memories. My parents sacrificed everything for me; sometimes, they borrowed money to buy me football boots. Today, I can afford everything I want.”
During his acceptance speech, Lookman stated that four years ago, he failed before the world, but today, he is the best player in Africa.
With Ademola Lookman winning this award, Nigeria is officially the country with the most CAF Player of the Year awards. Nigeria has now won it seven times, with previous winners including Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), Victor Osimhen (2023), and now Ademola Lookman (2024).
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