Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman says his rise to the top of world football is built not just on talent, but on discipline, hard work, and unwavering self-belief.
The Atalanta star, who was recently named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year said that his personal values have been the foundation of his success, helping him through challenges and propelling him to elite status.
Lookman’s crowning moment came in May when he scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European title. However, the Nigerian international says his path to glory started long before the world took notice
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“I think it was just self-belief and working hard every day,” Lookman said in an interview with ARISE TV monitored by our correspondent.
“When you work hard every single day, you gain confidence and grow in what you do. You know that eventually, your hard work will pay off.”
His career wasn’t always smooth. During a difficult loan spell at Fulham, he faced one of the lowest moments of his career—a missed penalty that drew sharp criticism. But instead of crumbling, Lookman leaned on his mental toughness.
“Every day, I try to improve myself, both on and off the pitch. That consistency and mindset have really helped me,” he added.
That mindset didn’t just carry him through adversity—it propelled him into greatness. His decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria marked a turning point, but it was his discipline that ensured the opportunity didn’t go to waste.
“Without doubt, it changed my career and my life,” Lookman said of the switch.
“People know that. This is my home. This is my place. I enjoy it here. I am the son of the soil.”
Born in London, Lookman had represented England at youth level before pledging his international future to Nigeria. Since that decision, his stock has soared, culminating in the continent’s highest individual honour.
Winning the CAF award, he said, was a moment of immense pride and gratitude.
“It’s amazing. Honestly, I won’t lie to you, it’s a privilege to have it,” he said.
“I take it with real pride. I’ve seen the great players who have received this award — some of the biggest names in football. For me to be among them is a blessing.”
His return to Lagos to present the award to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was more than ceremonial—it was a powerful homecoming. Sanwo-Olu praised Lookman as a symbol of the Greater Lagos Rising spirit and an inspiration to young Nigerians.
Lookman also made an emotional visit to Phase 2, the neighbourhood where he once lived with his grandmother and father.
“It was really important for me to bring this award back home. I’ve been cradling it all day. Bringing it back to Lagos means everything. That’s where I brought it back to, and today, I had the honour of presenting it to the President. That meant a lot,” he said.
That hunger for more has caught the attention of some of Europe’s elite. Premier League giants—Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United—are reportedly circling, while Atalanta have slapped a €50 million price tag on their star forward.
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