LAGOS – Just two years post his allegiance switch to Nigeria, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has risen to become Africa’s premier football figure, showcasing his exceptional talent and the courageous decision to fly the flag for the Super Eagles.
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.
Lookman is a versatile and explosive winger with a dynamic style of play. He is known for his direct, pace runs at the opposition defence, causing problems with his quick feet and close control.
He has a keen eye for goal and is able to finish chances with both feet, as well as with his head. Lookman is a creative player, who can unlock defences with his clever passing and clever movement off the ball.
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. He is the current CAF player of the year.
Last Monday, December 16, in the picturesque city of Marrakech, Morocco, Lookman illuminated the sporting stage, as he was honoured with the prestigious title of African Footballer of the Year, a testament to his undeterred perseverance and remarkable turnaround in fortune.
Back in 2022, Lookman stood at a crossroads with no international caps under his belt, having previously represented England at the youth level. Fast forward two years, and his resolute choice to don the Super Eagles jersey has truly paid dividends.
As he took to the stage to accept his accolade among football’s elite, it was evident that the stars had aligned for the 27-year-old, marking a monumental transition from a phase of doubt to a pinnacle of success.
Clad in vibrant traditional attire, Lookman could hardly contain his joy as he reflected on a journey that had propelled him to the apex of African football.
“Just over four years ago, I faced overwhelming challenges; now, I stand here as the best player in Africa,” Lookman said, his face alight with pride. “To the young ones watching, remember this: Do not let setbacks clip your wings. Transform your trials into triumphs and keep striving for greatness. God bless!”
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman’s rise to continental acclaim has been anything but conventional. He was integral to England’s triumph in the 2017 U-20 FIFA World Cup, scoring three goals and setting a promising path for his future.
However, the early stages of his career were mired in challenges as he navigated stints with Charlton, and R.B Leipzig, experiencing his fair share of highs and lows.
Despite loan spells with Fulham and Leicester City that left much to be desired, Lookman remained resolute, determined to get his career back on track.
2022 marked a critical turning point for Lookman. Opting to represent Nigeria, he diverged from fellow U-20 stars such as Dominic Solanke and Fikayo Tomori who opted for the Three Lions. “I’m thrilled to announce that FIFA has endorsed my nationality switch,” he shared on X (formerly Twitter) following his decision. “I am grateful for the warm welcome and eager to wear the Super Eagles shirt with pride.”
His Super Eagles debut came in March 2022 during the World Cup playoff against Ghana, a match that set the stage for his international career.
Later that year, Lookman signed with Atalanta, trading the English league for the Italian —a move that proved to be the catalyst for a revival in form. In his inaugural season, he notched up an impressive 13 goals, followed by another solid performance with 11 goals the subsequent season, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta securing a UEFA Champions League (UCL) berth.
Lookman’s influence didn’t stop there; he was instrumental in guiding Nigeria to the 2023 final, where they faced Cote d’Ivoire. His contributions were noteworthy as he scored thrice and earned a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
May brought a crowning achievement when he scored a sensational hat-trick in the Europa League final, dismantling Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak and securing Atalanta’s first major title since 1963—an accomplishment that echoed throughout the annals of football history.
With this stellar feat, Lookman became the first African player to score three times in a major UEFA competition final, a milestone that had not been reached since 1975 in the UEFA Cup final.
His stellar performances did not go unnoticed, as he was voted Atalanta’s Player of the Year for the 2023/24 season, contributing a remarkable tally of goals and assists in Serie A and making the Europa League’s Team of the Season.
On Monday, as he celebrated yet another monumental accolade, Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year for 2024, capping a truly phenomenal career turnaround over the last two years.
“This award is a blessing not just to me, but to my family and my nation. Being recognized as Africa’s best player is an incredible honour, and I am immensely proud,” Lookman remarked.
With the 27-year-old maintaining his impressive form as Atalanta gears up for a title chase, and interest brewing from some of Europe’s foremost clubs, the sky truly is the limit for this soaring Super Eagle!
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