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Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman delivered an inspiring acceptance speech upon being named the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, highlighting resilience and personal growth.
Ademola Lookman secured the prestigious award, surpassing notable contenders such as Simon Adingra from Ivory Coast, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
During his speech following the announcement, the 27-year-old shared a significant moment from his past. He recalled an important lesson learned during his time at Fulham in the Premier League in 2020, when he attempted a panenka-style penalty in a crucial match against West Ham, only to see his attempt fall short as it was easily saved by goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. This experience, though difficult, became a pivotal point in his career.
Reflecting on his journey, Lookman stated, “Just over four years ago, I faced a challenging moment in front of the world. Fast forward four years, and I stand here as the best player in Africa.”
He urged young people watching to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for growth. He said, “Don’t allow your past mistakes to hinder your potential. Transform your pain into strength and keep pushing forward.”
Ademola Lookman capped off a remarkable year as he became the sixth Nigerian to win the CAF Player Of The Year. He played a key role in the Super Eagles’ second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire and shone in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League victory, scoring all three goals in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Lookman’s outstanding performance earned him recognition as Atalanta Player of the Season and a spot in the UEFA Europa League Team of the Year.
Additionally, Lookman was the only African nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th overall, with an impressive contribution of 27 goals and 12 assists for both club and country in 2024.
“I’m immensely grateful to God for the blessings in my life,” said Lookman from the CAF Awards stage. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Presidents, my teammates, and everyone at my club and country for their unwavering support and encouragement.”
As he concluded his speech, he reiterated his pride in this recognition: “This award represents my family and my nation. Being acknowledged as the best player in Africa is truly an incredible honor. To all the young dreamers out there, remember: don’t let obstacles define you. Use your experiences to fuel your ambitions and keep reaching for the stars. God bless.”
