Ademola Lookman's rise in African football is an important message to other Anglo-Nigerian colleagues who have the talents but are yet to make up their minds.
Nigeria and Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been celebrated for his decision to switch national allegiances from England to Nigeria, a choice that has now been validated with his recent accolade as the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
This prestigious award was announced during the lavish CAF Awards ceremony held in Morocco, where Lookman emerged as the winner over notable competitors, including homeboy Achraf Hakimi, to take over from teammate Victor Osimhen, who he dethroned for the title.
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Lookman’s journey to stardom
The 27-year-old forward's journey has not only been marked by personal success but also by significant contributions to the Super Eagles.
Following the announcement of his new status as African king, a tweet he posted two years ago after FIFA approved his nationality switch resurfaced and went viral, garnering over 28,000 reposts and 156,000 likes.
In that tweet, Lookman expressed his excitement about representing Nigeria:
“Delighted to announce that FIFA has approved my Nationality switch,” the post read in part.
“Thank you for the warm welcome and I can’t wait to put on the Super Eagles shirt and represent the country.”
Lookman’s decision to join Nigeria's national team in 2022 has proven to be the best decision of his career.
He played a crucial role in Nigeria's run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he showcased his talent with three goals and an assist.
His performance during this tournament solidified his place as a key player for the Super Eagles.
In addition to his international success, Lookman had an outstanding club season with Atalanta, where he scored a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, leading his team to their first European title.
Throughout 2024, he contributed an impressive total of 27 goals and 12 assists for both club and country.
Lookman's rise in African football is an important message to other Anglo-Nigerian colleagues who have the talents but are yet to make up their minds.
His prizes this year not only highlight his individual skill but also reflect the collective growth of the Nigerian national team, which is looking forward to achieving greater success on the international stage next year at the AFCON2025.