Atalanta Forward Ademola Lookman Reflects on CAF Men’s Player of the Year Nomination
Super Eagles of Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman is thrilled to be shortlisted for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, not just for personal growth, but for his family, community, and nation. Despite the recognition, Lookman takes a down-to-earth approach, focusing on self-improvement and consistent performance.
This year, the 27-year-old Nigerian international has stunned with his skills and results, both in club matches with Atalanta and on the international stage with Nigeria. Unfazed by the upcoming award, Lookman prefers to concentrate on bettering himself.
In his own words, “I don’t feel any additional pressure. I’ve kept the same mind-set and work ethic. I’m just trying to give my best on the pitch.”
Lookman’s philosophy revolves around daily improvement, putting a premium on personal growth. He believes that, if he wins the award, it will be a special honor for himself, his loved ones, and his country, but for now, he must prioritize giving his best performance.
Moving on, Lookman has called on the Super Eagles to stay consistent. With three wins and one draw in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the team has gotten off to a strong start, a stark contrast to their struggles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they are still searching for their first win.
The forward views the team’s progress as a springboard for success, stating, “We’ve shown good performances as a team in the AFCON qualifiers, and now we need to do better consistently.”
He went on to emphasize, “The goal is to qualify for the AFCON and World Cup, so we’re determined to achieve those objectives.”
