Super Eagles Celebrate Ademola Lookman’s CAF Player of the Year Award

By: Monsurah Olatunji

The Nigeria national football team celebrated Ademola Lookman ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Atalanta winger was honored for winning the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award, marking a significant personal achievement for the talented forward.

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, the Super Eagles took a moment from their intense preparations to acknowledge Lookman’s remarkable feat. During a team dinner, his teammates came together to honor his accomplishment, presenting him with a cake inscribed with the words “King of Africa.”

The celebration was filled with cheers and applause, with Victor Osimhen delivering an inspiring speech that praised Lookman for his dedication and impressive contributions both to the Super Eagles and his club.

“First of all, we all know Lookman deserved this, he’s been amazing for both his club and also for the Super Eagles,” Osimhen began. “It’s a great privilege that this prestigious award came to Nigeria and also went to the most deserving person.”

The Napoli striker further expressed his pride in Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria, saying, “I’m proud of you. We speak in private a lot of times, and I told you how proud I am that you decided to play for the Super Eagles, and this, your hard work and dedication for us, for your club, shows that you deserve to be the African best.”

Osimhen added, “I also hope it comes back to Nigeria. The likes of [Victor] Boniface, Samuel [Chukwueze], all of us.”

Lookman’s award serves as a beacon of success for Nigerian football, with his stellar performances both domestically and internationally making him one of Africa’s most celebrated players of the year.

As Nigeria continues their World Cup qualification campaign, the team remains united and motivated by Lookman’s achievement, with hopes high for more accolades for the Super Eagles in the near future.