Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
In a proud moment for Nigerian football, 2024 CAF Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where he presented his prestigious award in a gesture of national pride and appreciation.
Lookman, who dazzled the continent with his stellar performances throughout the year—most notably his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final—was crowned Africa’s top footballer by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in May 2024. The award, one of the most coveted in African football, recognizes his outstanding contributions on and off the pitch and his role in elevating Nigeria’s profile on the global stage.
During his visit to the Presidential Villa in Abuja and later to the Lagos State Government House, Lookman expressed gratitude for the support he has received from Nigerians, highlighting the encouragement of both national and state leadership in promoting youth development and sports excellence.
Presenting the award to President Tinubu, Lookman remarked, “This achievement is not mine alone—it belongs to Nigeria. I wanted to share this special moment with the leadership of the country because their efforts in building a better future for sports and young people are beginning to bear fruit.”
President Tinubu congratulated Lookman for his exceptional accomplishment, describing him as a symbol of resilience, discipline, and national pride. “Your victory is Nigeria’s victory. You have inspired millions of young people and shown what is possible with hard work and determination,” the President stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, equally proud, received the football star in Lagos with a warm reception. He praised Lookman for making Nigeria proud and for remembering his roots. “You have lifted our spirits and brought honour to the nation. Lagos celebrates you and all that you represent—excellence, ambition, and humility,” the governor said.
Lookman’s symbolic gesture of presenting the CAF trophy to the nation’s top political figures not only underscores his patriotism but also reflects a growing synergy between sports and leadership in Nigeria. As the country continues to nurture its footballing talents and invest in the development of youth and sports infrastructure, moments like these serve as a reminder of the potential greatness that can be achieved when excellence is supported at every level.
Lookman’s visit concluded with a call to action for young Nigerians to dream big, stay focused, and believe in their abilities. His journey from London to continental stardom now stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes across the country.
