Ademola Lookman’s father has attributed the Nigerian star's monumental success in clinching the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award to his humility, focus, and unwavering dedication to football, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The 27-year-old forward, representing both Nigeria and Atalanta, received African football’s most prestigious individual accolade during a glittering ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. Lookman triumphed over esteemed competitors, including Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, Guinea's Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast's Simon Adingra, and South Africa's Ronwen Williams.
The highlight of the evening came when Lookman, dressed in elegant traditional African attire, captivated the audience by addressing them in Yoruba, his native Nigerian language. His speech resonated deeply with viewers, both within the hall and across the globe, celebrating his cultural roots.
Father's Pride and Insights
In a post-event interview with journalist Calister Enejele, Lookman’s father shared heartfelt reflections on his son’s achievement. He praised Ademola’s grounded personality and work ethic as the driving forces behind his stellar career.
"I am immensely proud as a father. Ademola is a committed player, very humble, and someone who shies away from unnecessary publicity because he prefers to focus entirely on his football. This discipline and dedication have brought him this far," he said.
A Remarkable Year of Achievements
Lookman’s journey to the top in 2024 was paved with extraordinary performances on both the domestic and international stages.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (concluded in early 2024), Lookman played a pivotal role for the Super Eagles. He scored three critical goals and provided a decisive assist, guiding Nigeria to the final. Despite their unbeaten run through the tournament, Nigeria fell narrowly to host Ivory Coast in the championship match.
On the club front, Lookman solidified his place in football history. The Nigerian forward produced an awe-inspiring performance in the UEFA Europa League final, netting a sensational hat-trick that led Atalanta to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. This feat marked him as the first African player to score a hat-trick in a major European final, cementing his legacy as a player of unparalleled skill and determination.
Recognition and Legacy
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the prestigious award to Lookman, marking a career milestone for the Nigerian international. As Lookman continues to excel on both the continental and global stages, his story inspires aspiring players and reaffirms Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse of footballing talent.
Through humility, commitment, and extraordinary talent, Ademola Lookman has truly established himself as one of Africa’s brightest stars, and his 2024 triumph will remain a benchmark for success in African football.
Oluwayemi Omolagba