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Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has been showered with high praises by the NFF president.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has showered praise on Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman after he placed 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
The 27-year-old attacker, who had an outstanding year with his Italian club, Atalanta, and the Super Eagles team, was the only African among the top 30 Ballon d’Or nominees at Monday night’s gala in Paris.
Gusau believes this achievement is only the beginning for Lookman, encouraging him to climb even higher in next year’s rankings.
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“The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year,” Gusau said in a statement.
“He was already a winner before Monday night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist.
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"He was also the second-highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race.”
Gusau encouraged Lookman to stay focused and ambitious, saying, “We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.”
Ademola Lookman’s rise to the top as Super Eagles star becomes clear favourite for 2024 CAF POTY
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Ademola Lookman’s 2024 season has been a stellar one, not just in club football but also on the international stage.
With three vital goals for Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, Lookman was at the centre of everything good, helping the Super Eagles secure a strong second-place finish.
But his brilliance didn’t stop there.
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Following an impressive tournament in Ivory Coast, Lookman made history in the Europa League final, becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the competition’s final after helping Atalanta humble Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.
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His remarkable achievements have placed him as a strongest favourite for this year’s Africa Player of the Year award which he is widely expected to win in Marrakech this December.
After Lookman wins the award, he will become the first Nigerian to claim the title from a compatriot since Victor Ikpeba succeeded Nwankwo Kanu in 1997.
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