Last night in the city of Marrakech, Morocco, Ademola Lookman shone like a million stars. In a stunning twist of fate, the Super Eagle who rose from the ashes of uncertainty, was crowned the African Footballer of the Year.
In 2022, the Atalanta forward was yet to decide his international future with zero caps having played for England at the age-grade level. But two years later, Lookman’s bold decision to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles finally paid off.
Walking upstairs to pick up his award in a gathering of the biggest names in football, the stars had truly aligned for the Wandsworth-born player. It was a moment that marked a turnaround for the 27-year-old, moving from uncertainty to unparalleled success.
As Lookman manned the podium in his green and flowing traditional Nigerian regalia, the Atalanta man could not help but reflect on his journey to reaching the zenith of African football.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman who was beaming with a smile recalled.
“I want to say to the young children and young people watching this ‘Don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight and continue to fly’, God bless!”
Born to Nigerian parents in England, Lookman’s path to becoming Africa’s best was unconventional. Having played a major role as England won the 2017 U-20 World Cup, netting thrice in that tournament, the winger was primed for the top.
Lookman’s early career did not, however, blossom as many touted it. It was a wilderness experience for the London-born footballer who endured mixed fortunes in Charlton, Everton, and R.B Leipzig.
Lookman went on loan to Fulham and Leicester but his spells in both clubs were neither here nor there. Those were brutal realities for the promising youngster.
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