Ademola Lookman, a forward for the Super Eagles and Atalanta, has stated that joining the Super Eagles after leaving England is one of the best choices he has ever made.
Lookman was born in England to Nigerian parents and had early success with England’s young teams. In 2017, he won the FIFA U-20 World Cup and competed in the European U-19 Championships.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year, speaking during an interview with Arise TV, said, “Without doubt. It changed my career and my life. People know that. This is my home; this is my place, Nigeria. I am the son of the soil.”
The 27-year-old credited his accomplishment to perseverance, discipline, and determination.
He said, “I think just self-belief and just working hard every day. I think if you work hard every single day, you get the confidence, and you grow in what you do. And you know that because you’re working hard every day, and one day you reap the benefits.
“Every single day I continue to try and work hard to try and be better. Whether that’s on or off the field. I just keep on keeping in that way, and that’s been helping me.”
Ademola Lookman spoke with a great sense of pleasure and appreciation after winning a coveted CAF award for his exceptional efforts.
It’s incredible. It is an honour to possess this. I take tremendous delight in the fact that I witnessed a lot of outstanding players, including some of the world’s biggest names. Being one among them and receiving this accolade is a blessing.
“I’m bringing it back home now to Lagos. I went to Phase 2; I spent a lot of time there as a kid. That’s where I’m bringing it back to Lagos today. It’s a privilege to present it to the president.”
Despite his milestone achievements, Lookman emphasised that retirement is far from his thoughts, describing his career as a long journey with much more to accomplish.
“Retiring now, I’m being content. It’s not in my mind, not even anywhere in my thoughts. It’s a long, long journey, and there’s so much more to achieve,” he said. “For me, this is another part of my journey. It’s a long, long road,” he said.
Lookman recently presented President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu his CAF award at a poignant homecoming in Lagos.
