Ademola Lookman, the newly crowned African Player of the Year, has described being recognized as the continent’s best player as an “incredible” honor. The Super Eagles and Atalanta forward shared his emotions during his acceptance speech at the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation, and to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible, and I am extremely proud of,” Lookman said.

Reflecting on his journey, Lookman, now 27, offered words of encouragement to young people, drawing from his own struggles as a footballer four years ago. He urged them not to let setbacks define their future.

“Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Fast forward to four years later, I am the best player in Africa,” he recounted. “I want to say to the young children and young people watching this: ‘Don’t let your failures weigh you down to the point they break your wings. Turn your pain into power, continue to fight, and continue to fly. God bless!’”

Lookman’s remarkable achievement came after he triumphed over fierce competition from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy to clinch the coveted award.

The Nigerian forward played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic triumph last season, helping the Italian club secure its first-ever European trophy. His standout performance included a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

On the international stage, Lookman was equally influential, leading the Super Eagles to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier this year in Côte d’Ivoire.

Ademola Lookman’s story is a testament to perseverance and determination, inspiring millions across the continent and beyond.

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