Ademola Lookman appreciates teammates for 2024 CAF POTY celebration

By: Monsurah Olatunji

Ademola Lookman has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his Nigerian teammates for their warm celebration of his victory as the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year. The celebration came at a pivotal moment, as Nigeria prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Lookman, who played a key role in helping Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League with a memorable hat-trick in the final, has now claimed back-to-back CAF Player of the Year awards. He succeeded his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Osimhen, who won the accolade in 2023. This consecutive win highlights Nigeria’s prominence in African football and their aim to make history with a potential third win in the future.

Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s second-highest all-time scorer, delivered a stirring speech during the celebration, praising Lookman for his dedication and significant impact both on and off the pitch. He emphasized that Lookman truly deserved the award and expressed hope that more Nigerian players would follow his example in the coming years.

Lookman, clearly moved by the gesture, responded with a heartfelt message of thanks to his teammates.

“I want to thank everybody for the love and all the good and bad times we spent together,” Lookman said. “Obviously, me being crowned the best on the continent is because of you all. Because you guys pushed me and helped me to be a proper African player since joining this family.”

He continued, “I just want to say a proper thank you for the love and support always and much love, my brothers.”

The celebration showcased not only Lookman’s individual success but also the unity and close-knit bond within the Super Eagles squad, with players supporting one another through their highs and lows, both on and off the field.

As the team gears up for their match against Zimbabwe, the camaraderie displayed serves as a motivating factor, with Lookman’s victory giving the Super Eagles even more reason to fight for success on the continental and world stage.