By Abiodun Ajose, Lagos
It is no longer news that Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman won the 2024 CAF Awards for the best footballer on the continent in the men’s. The young man regarded as a English premier league flop fend off competitions from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams to scoop the coveted trophy.
Lookman’s recognition represents a monumental achievement that resonates beyond individual brilliance; it underscores the growing strength of Nigerian football and the potential of the Super Eagles as they prepare for the remaining matches of the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.
Ademola Lookman started is professional football career at the age of 16 years after having a foundational timeout with a youth sports organization WATERLOO in South London at a very tender age of 11 .
Born in Wandsworth, England, to Nigerian parents, Ademola Lookman’s footballing career began at Charlton Athletic. After stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City, and currently, Atalanta in Italy, Lookman has emerged as one of the brightest stars in European football.
Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship. He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger. After joining Italian club Atalanta in 2022, he won the UEFA Europa League in 2024, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen and subsequently being named the African Footballer of the Year, becoming just the seventh Nigerian international to win the award.
Having represented England from under-19 to under-21 levels, Lookman made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2022. He was part of the squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His stellar performances for Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, he was also instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in 2023, cementing his place among the continent’s elite. The African Player of the Year award reflects his consistency, impact, and extraordinary ability to rise to big occasions.
Lookman felt that all that will be required for him to get to the very peak of his career is readily available at the English football community because of the global recognition the English football has with the likes of Charlton Athletic and Everton before he was sent on loan to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. After completing his loan spell at the German club the club management gave him a permanent 5 years contract but unfortunately for Ademola he couldn’t see through to his contract with RB Leipzig he was then sent on loan to English Club Fulham and thereafter another loan to Leicester City.
However at the end of 2021/2022 he secured a four year contract with an Italian club in the city of Begarmo ” Atalanta FC” this was the beginning of new and great things to come in his career as a top class professional footballer. Ademola Lookman got his name on the score sheet on his debut game for Atalanta against Sampdoria, this beautiful form continues even till the end 2023/2024 season as Atalanta FC finished 4th position on the league table.
On the international scene, Ademola Lookman has had a fantastic time with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the AFCON in January 2024, he was the Super Eagles highest goal scorer at the competition ,the Super Eagles to finished at second position after losing to the hosts nation Cote D’ivoire in the Final.
Lookman’s consistent fantastic form was very integral to his club side Atalanta making it to the UEFA EUROPA Final against a very consistent Xabi Alonso side Bayern Leverkusen who have been unbeaten in all competition but Ademola Lookman Fantastic outing at the UEFA Europa final gave Atalanta there first continental trophy by beating Bayern Leverkusen 3 goals to nil with Lookman scoring all three goals making him the first player in the history of the competition to have scored Hat trick in the UEFA Europa final.
It was at this point that world started paying attention to the ‘little boy’ from a humble and rough beginning as a professional footballer.
The impact his CAF men’s award can be explored through multiple lenses, including boosting the morale of the team, elevating the international reputation of Nigerian football, motivating young talents, attracting global attention to Nigerian players, and influencing the tactical and strategic direction of the national team. Lookman’s success is not just about one individual—it is a victory for Nigerian football as a whole.
For the Super Eagles, Lookman’s success brings numerous tangible and intangible gains that will positively influence the team in the new year, as the qualifiers begin in March.
One of the immediate gains of Lookman’s award is the significant morale boost it provides to the Super Eagles. Having a player recognized as Africa’s best serves as a powerful source of motivation for the entire squad.
Lookman’s achievement demonstrates to his teammates that success at the highest level is attainable. The realization that a fellow team member can compete and win against the best players on the continent will inspire others to work harder and strive for similar recognition. Such individual accolades foster a winning mentality within the team, driving players to believe in their ability to achieve greatness on both personal and team levels.
For a team like the Super Eagles, which thrives on passion, energy, and unity, Lookman’s success can serve as a rallying point for upcoming competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers and the next AFCON tournament. It creates a positive atmosphere, builds team cohesion, and strengthens the players’ resolve to win titles for Nigeria.
This recognition highlights the talent and depth within Nigerian football, helping to restore the country’s reputation as a breeding ground for world-class footballers. The global spotlight on Lookman also shines brightly on his Super Eagles teammates, creating opportunities for them to gain greater visibility and recognition.
Lookman’s journey to becoming Africa’s best is a powerful inspiration for aspiring young footballers in Nigeria and the diaspora. Many Nigerian youths dream of emulating their footballing heroes, and Lookman’s success offers a tangible example of what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can achieve.
Moreover, Lookman’s success as a dual-national player who chose to represent Nigeria over England reinforces the pride of wearing the Super Eagles jersey. It sends a clear message to other Nigerian players in the diaspora: that success can still be achieved while representing their country of origin. Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria and his subsequent triumph will motivate more dual-national players to commit to the Super Eagles, strengthening the team’s talent pool.
Winning the African Player of the Year award has also brought increased attention to Nigerian players on the global stage. Clubs, scouts, and football enthusiasts worldwide will now pay closer attention to Nigeria’s football ecosystem.
