Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has commended Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, saying he believes the Atalanta star has what it takes to finish higher in the race next year.
Lookman was the only African among the 30 nominees for the award, which was won by Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri in Paris on Monday night.
“The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday’s night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race,” Gusau said.
“We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.”
Lookman scored three important goals as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, and then scored all three goals in the UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.
He has maintained his good form this season for club and country, with two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, as well as four goals and four assists in six Serie A appearances for Atalanta.
The 27-year-old is the favourite to win the 2024 African Player of the Year award to succeed his Super Eagles teammate Victor Osimhen.
