Two of Nigeria’s greatest football legends, Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, have praised Ademola Lookman for his outstanding attitude on and off the pitch, crediting it as a key factor in the Atalanta forward’s triumph at the 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year awards, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman, who had a stellar year with Atalanta and the Nigerian national team, was crowned African Player of the Year during a star-studded ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco.
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The Nigerian international outshone high-profile contenders, including PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Brighton’s Simon Adingra, and Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, to claim the prestigious honour.
Speaking via Soccer TV’s YouTube channel as per the Sun, Okocha lauded Lookman as a role model for aspiring athletes.
“The CAF Award is not just about how well you play on the pitch,” said the former Super Eagles captain.
“Your attitude on the pitch, your reactions to fellow players, and your responses to coaches are all tested before we even talk about tactical performances.”
Okocha, renowned for his midfield brilliance, described Lookman as “an epitome of good sportsmanship and a perfect gentleman,” adding,
“For Ademola Lookman to be awarded African Best Player of the Year, it simply means he has been examined on all these criteria and passed.”
The former Bolton Wanderers and PSG maestro emphasised the importance of dedication and professionalism.
“Being dedicated to whatever you do and knowing the secret of your business is what makes you unique.
“Lookman is a unique African BEST Player of the Year, not just African BEST. Go and verify what I’m saying—many are still testifying about him, and more will do so.”
Okocha concluded by saying,
“His award is a reward for dedication and hard labour.”
Former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu also hailed Lookman’s commitment and dedication as the key to his brilliance.
In a message addressed to the Atalanta star as per Blueprint, two-time Africa Best Player award winner Kanu wrote:
“Dear Lookman, millions on our continent were happy each time you exhibit your God given talents on the football pitch in Europe, we became happier the day you were crowned King of African Football.
“Your dedication and commitment to both National and your club side earned you this achievement.
“I am personally proud of you and I believe this award will help the younger generation to strive hard and not be discouraged in the face of challenges.
“Having won the Prestigious Awards twice in 1999 and 1996, I know what it means to the entire continent and Nigerians in particular.
“We can make it! We can achieve it !, the way Ademola Lookman achieved it.”
Lookman’s achievements in 2023 and 2024 were remarkable. He led Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory, delivering a memorable hat-trick in the final.
On the international stage, he scored three goals, propelling Nigeria to a runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.