Ademola Lookman, the newly crowned 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, has opened up about how his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria became the turning point in his football journey.
In a recent interview with ARISE TV, the 27-year-old Super Eagles star expressed profound pride in donning the green and white, describing Nigeria as his true home.
“Without a doubt, it changed my career and my life,” Lookman said. “People know that. This is my home. This is my place. I enjoy it here. I am the son of the soil.”
Born in London, Lookman represented England at various youth levels before switching to Nigeria in 2022. That decision set the stage for a meteoric rise in his professional career, including a historic performance in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a sensational hat-trick for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen—securing the club’s first-ever European title.
Now one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards, Lookman attributes his success to resilience, discipline, and unwavering self-belief.
“It was just self-belief and working hard every day,” he said. “When you work hard every single day, you gain confidence and grow in what you do. You know that eventually, your hard work will pay off.”
He reflected on low moments too—particularly a missed penalty during his time at Fulham—but explained that his consistency and mindset carried him through the setbacks.
“Every day, I try to improve myself, both on and off the pitch. That consistency and mindset have really helped me.”
Winning Africa’s highest football honour was a deeply emotional moment for Lookman. “It’s amazing. Honestly, I won’t lie to you, it’s a privilege to have it,” he said. “I take it with real pride. I’ve seen the great players who have received this award—some of the biggest names in football. For me to be among them is a blessing.”
After receiving the award, Lookman returned to Nigeria and proudly presented the trophy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. He described the gesture as a symbolic homecoming.
“It was really important for me to bring this award back home. I’ve been cradling it all day. Bringing it back to Lagos means everything. That’s where I brought it back to,” he said. “And today, I had the honour of presenting it to the President. That meant a lot.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, during the presentation, hailed Lookman as a shining example of the “Greater Lagos Rising” vision and an inspiration to Nigerian youth.
The Atalanta forward also visited Phase 2, a Lagos community where he spent part of his childhood living with his grandmother and father. The visit was described as an emotional journey to his roots.
When asked whether he’d feel satisfied retiring at the peak of his achievements, Lookman gave a decisive response: “Definitely not. Retirement is nowhere in my thoughts. Not even close. There’s still a long journey ahead. So much more to achieve.”
His current form has not gone unnoticed. Several top Premier League clubs—including Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United—are reportedly eyeing him. Atalanta, recognizing his value, have placed a €50 million price tag on the Nigerian international.
For Ademola Lookman, this latest milestone is only the beginning. “This is just another chapter of that journey,” he said. “There’s a long road still to go.”
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