ALJAZIRAHNIGERIA examines Lookman’s unconventional route to becoming the sixth Nigerian male footballer to be named the continent’s top player, joining stellar names Rashidi Yekini, Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Osimhen.
Lookman is the seventh Nigerian to win the continent’s highest football award as he succeeded compatriot Osimhen on Monday in Morocco
Born in South London to Nigerian parents, Lookman’s passion for the game was evident at an early age.
Ademola Lookman’s journey to being voted the men’s African Footballer of the year has been full of ups and downs, yet the Nigeria international knows his recent success provides inspiration.
He signed for Charlton Athletic, then playing in England’s second tier, in 2014 – but rates passing his school exams aged 16 as a bigger achievement.
Lookman made his senior debut for Charlton in November 2015, scored his first senior goal on his fifth appearance and eventually caught the eye of top-flight clubs with his performances for a struggling side.
After failing to impose himself following a big-money move to the Premier League as a teenager, the forward had several loan spells before his rebirth in Italy since joining Atalanta in August 2022.
Lookman’s incredible year included 22 goals, notably a hat trick in the Europa League final that secured Atalanta’s first-ever continental title. He also played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final.
Now a guaranteed starter for both club and country, he played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the start of this year.
Expectedly, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman scooped the Africa Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, less than 33 months after winning his first cap for Nigeria at international level.
The 27-year-old won the FIFA U17 World Cup with England before committing his future to Nigeria, and helped steer the Super Eagles to the runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.
Also, he was key to Italian side Atalanta FC winning the UEFA Europa Cup last season, and this year, has scored 11 goals and notched five assists for the same club in 18 games across all competitions.
Lookman was the only African on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, ultimately finishing 14th in the race to be named the world’s best player.
With Atalanta leading Serie A and chasing their first top-flight title, Lookman’s powers continue to grow.
For Africa’s best player, the pain of his early days in the Premier League certainly appears to be long forgotten.
