The 2024 African Player of the year (POTY) award winner, Ademola Lookman sent a strong message to the new generation of footballers who are yet to make it in the industry.
While delivering his speech after being crowned the best player in the African continent by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Lookman noted his struggle in the days of his beginning.
The 27-year old Super Eagles forward was full of praise for his teammates and encouraged the young ones to keep pushing despite their struggles.
Lookman said he failed in front of the world four years ago, counting back to when he had spells in Fulham and Everton which were his starting points.
Lookman was also in the books at King Power for Leicester City before moving to German side RB Leipzig that transformed his career before he was snapped up by Atalanta.
The Yoruba-boy who represented his tribe at the awards night through his dressing and also exchanging pleasantries in his native tongue showed the love he has for Nigeria.
During the year 2024, Lookman has helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win silver at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), making the team of the tournament while also helping his club Atalanta to win their first European trophy in 60 years.
Lookman won the UEFA Europa League goal of the tournament as well as Atalanta player of the tournament while also scoring a glorious hat-trick in the final (the first player to do so) while also making it to the UEFA Europa League team of the tournament.
