Ademola Lookman: How Nigeria star became African player of the year
Now a regular starter for club and country, he played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier this year.
Lookman scored twice in the last-16 win over Cameroon and scored the winning goal against Angola in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria Finally won the runner-up But the striker can console himself with a place in the Championship XI.
Super Eagles team-mate Alex Iwobi says Lookman is a “great talent” who deserves the African Player of the Year award.
“We’re not surprised by the growth we’re seeing,” Iwobi told BBC World’s Newsday.
“He’s very efficient. Seeing what he does motivates everyone on the team.
“If my brother works hard, we have to work just as hard or even harder.”
Lookman, the only African on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, finished 14th in the competition and was named the best player in the world.
Before presenting the award, BBC Sport Africa asked him to reflect on his progress over the past 12 months.
“It has been defined by the steps taken, but this is just the beginning of something that will hopefully be very special,” he replied.
Lookman’s power continues to grow as Atalanta lead Serie A and chase their first top flight title.
For Africa’s best player, the misery of his early years in the Premier League appears to have been long forgotten.
