Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman paid a special visit to Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, at his residence in Lagos on Friday night, May 30, 2025, Footynaija.com reports.
The meeting came just days after Lookman returned to Nigeria having previously had a historic season with Atalanta, where he lifted the UEFA Europa League and was crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
The 27-year-old forward, who played a starring role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final arrived at the president’s home alongside Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission.
The aim was to present Nigeria’s highest football honour to the Commander-in-Chief and officially celebrate Lookman’s impact on the international stage.
In a moment that has since gone viral on social media, the President told Lookman that he fully supports him no matter what path he chooses.
With the summer transfer window around the corner and several clubs rumoured to be interested in the winger, Tinubu gave his blessing, reportedly telling Lookman: “Wherever you go, I will support you.”
The Atalanta forward, visibly moved by the reception, described the moment as an honour. “It is an amazing honour to present this CAF Award to President Bola Tinubu and to have him hold this,” Lookman said. “He said wherever I go, he would support me. It is great I have the support of the President.”
As revealed in a report by Legit.ng, the meeting also featured comments from Shehu Dikko, who praised Lookman for putting Nigeria on the global map.
Dikko called him “one of the best we have” and described the visit as a strong message to young Nigerian footballers that excellence is recognised at the highest level.
Since his arrival in Nigeria, Lookman has been spotted connecting with his roots by spending time with his parents, hanging out with music stars Davido and Zlatan, and proudly displaying his CAF award in front of fans, family members, and well-wishers.