Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman, was overjoyed after winning the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old versatile forward has had a brilliant run in 2024 for club and country and capped it off with a huge in Morocco after he was placed 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
The former RB Leipzig man switched International allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2022 just before he moved to Atalanta, and it’s been all the way up since then.
Speaking after joining a long list of legends who have won the CAF POTY on Monday night, Lookman shared his elation with the fans and expressed his gratitude for their unending support.
“I have no words really. It’s amazing because I was able to do it with all the love and all the support of you guys back home and obviously we’re here now today.
Nigeria has been a big turning point in my career. I say that all the time playing for our nation and having the support has been incredible. This year has been a special year and a lot of progress has been made and I’m happy with it, so, bring on the next challenges. A lot of thanks to the fans, their love does not go unnoticed,” the former Everton man told Livescore.
“It is special to be able to join a list of players who have achieved a lot in the game, Legends. It’s also not just me, we have a lot of talent, not just in the men’s game but also in the women’s game. For us to be able to give motivation to the young kids, we want to do better because if we can set good examples, then they’ll have solid footsteps to follow and walk into,” the Atalanta forward concluded.
Lookman could add more success to his catalogue at the end of the season if Atalanta maintain their pace as they’re currently at the apex of the Serie A.