Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has said that his difficult moments were propellants to him winning this year’s CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Edum News reports that Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to win the award when he took home the prize for 2024.
The 27-year-old follows in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023 as they became the first back-to-back Nigerian winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
Speaking after his win, Lookman noted that he feels honored to join in the league of great and patriotic Nigerians.
He said, “It is an incredible achievement and an incredible moment. It is special to join a list of many great players who have achieved a lot in the game. They are legends. There are a lot of special moments that happened this year, I can speak about a lot of good moments. But also the bad moments, when you don’t want to do gym, but you end up doing that session and that gives you more strength. The difficult moments have given me that extra strength.
“For us to be able to give inspiration to the young kids who want to be like us is the most important thing. If we can set a good example, they have good footsteps to follow.”
Lookman also appreciated Nigerians and all hi fans for their unwavering support for him.
“I am very appreciative of your love and care, and kind words in the bad moments also, not just the good moments. The people who show you love in the difficult moments are the people who you are most grateful too.”
