National Teams
CAF Awards 2024: Jose Peseiro explains contribution to Ademola Lookman’s win
By Monsurah Olatunji
Jose Peseiro has congratulated Ademola Lookman on his CAF Player of the Year victory while also shedding light on the role he played in helping the 27-year-old forward reach his best form for Nigeria, a journey that ultimately led to his prestigious award.
Lookman’s standout performances were key to Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where he scored three goals in seven matches, earning a place in the official Team of the Tournament under Peseiro’s management.
His remarkable tournament form was carried over to his club, Atalanta, where he played a vital role in their success, helping the team secure a top-four finish, win the Europa League trophy, and claim Coppa Italia silverware.
In recognition of these achievements, Lookman was crowned CAF Player of the Year for 2024.
Following the award ceremony, Peseiro was asked by Sports Italia to reflect on what contributed to Lookman’s turnaround, and he attributed much of the forward’s success to the freedom he was given on the pitch.
“I think Lookman’s victory is deserved given his performances both for Atalanta, his club, and for his country, Nigeria,” Peseiro explained.
“I think giving Lookman the freedom to move around has allowed him to show his quality both in terms of decision-making and execution.”
Peseiro further acknowledged the important role Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini and the club’s environment played in Lookman’s growth, noting that they had provided the platform for the Nigerian international to develop as a player.
