Ademola Lookman, Atalanta BC forward and the newly crowned 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, has offered a glimpse into the camaraderie within the Super Eagles squad, Soccernet.football reports.
Speaking shortly after his triumph at the awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, the 26-year-old revealed his closest allies on the Nigerian national team.
“I got a few, probably,” Lookman admitted in a video shared on X.com (formerly Twitter) by ESPN Africa. He named Fulham’s versatile defender Calvin Bassey and Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo as his closest pals, fondly referring to them as part of the “innit boys.”
This term, a nod to the Anglo-Nigerian players in the Super Eagles, also includes Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.
The forward’s admission came during a year in which he enjoyed exceptional success.
Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, delivering a sensational hat-trick in the final that secured the Italian side’s first-ever European trophy. His club form, combined with his outstanding performances for Nigeria, made him a standout choice for Africa’s top individual football honour.
The recognition has sparked celebrations across Nigeria and beyond. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among those who congratulated Lookman on social media.
Lookman will next look to be the first Nigerian footballer since Nwankwo to win the Player of the Year award twice.