Ademola Lookman: Victor Osimhen leads Super Eagles’ celebration of Atalanta and Africa’s best

The Super Eagles squad gave Ademola Lookman a warm and jubilant reception, celebrating his coronation as the 2024 African Player of the Year with a special cake and heartfelt tributes, Footynaija.com reports.

Lookman was crowned the finest footballer on the continent at the CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, in December. He became the sixth Nigerian to pick up the prestigious award following a remarkable year for club and country.

Returning to international duty for the first time since his award triumph, Lookman wasted no time making an impact. He assisted Victor Osimhen’s opening goal in Nigeria’s 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Rwanda in Kigali.

Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, led the celebrations and had nothing but praise for his Super Eagles teammate.

The team is celebrating Ademola Lookman tonight. Top speech from Victor Osimhen.

The team spirit and bond is on another level. pic.twitter.com/7V6Tzj9XA8

— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) March 24, 2025

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

“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,” the Galatasaray striker added.

Super Eagles celebrate Ademola Lookman’s CAF Best Award as Victor Osimhen gives a speech.

Togetherness ❤️ #PoojaInUyo pic.twitter.com/cu44XFrAm0

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) March 24, 2025

A visibly emotional Lookman, who is also Atalanta’s back-to-back Player of the Season, expressed his gratitude to his teammates, acknowledging their role in his success.

“I want to thank everybody in this room and obviously beyond this room for all of the love, the good times and the bad times that we’ve all spent,” he said.

“To be crowned Africa’s best player is because of you guys as well. You guys push me, you help me, so I just want to say thank you and much love,” he concluded.