By Nurudeen Obalola
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has brought his CAF Awards African Player of the Year gong home to Nigeria and taken it to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Lookman was voted the best men’s player on the continent for 2024 last December, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen after a stellar year in which the Atalanta star was outstanding at the Africa Cup of Nations, Serie A and UEFA Europa League.
The 27-year-old is in Nigeria on vacation and, after going to his father’s roots pn Lagos Island, made his first stop on Friday at the Governor’s Lodge to pay a courtesy visit to Sanwo-Olu.
Lookman presented the award to the Governor, who, after a conversation and photo session, praised the Nigeria international.
“Today, I received Ademola Lookman our 2024 CAF Player of the Year, at Lagos House, Marina,” Sanwo-Olu wrote on X.
“His journey is a powerful reminder of how far passion, discipline, and hard work can take you. He is focused, grounded, and fully aware of the responsibility he carries as a role model for millions of young Nigerians.
“Thank you, Ademola, for flying the Nigerian flag high and showing the world what we’re made of.”
Afterwards, Lookman, in the company of National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko, visited President Tinubu also in Lagos and presented him with the award.
Tinubu expressed deep admiration for Lookman’s dedication and achievements, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to developing grassroots sports and creating opportunities for Nigerian youths to excel globally.
