In a proud moment for Nigerian sports and youth development, Africa’s 2024 Best Player, Ademola Lookman, was formally presented to key national and state leaders—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Oba of Lagos, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu—in a landmark recognition tour led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka.
Lookman, who captured continental attention with his record-setting hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Atalanta, was recently named CAF African Player of the Year. His rise to the top of African football is widely viewed as a symbol of the potential embedded within Nigeria’s youth and sports development systems.
The tour began at the Presidential Villa, where Lookman was received by President Tinubu. The President praised the forward for his brilliance, dedication, and the inspiration he provides to millions of young Nigerians. “These athletes represent the best of us,” the President remarked. “Ademola has shown the world what Nigerian talent can achieve.”
Following the presidential reception, Hon. Adeboye led Lookman to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos. The Oba blessed the young star and lauded him as an exemplary ambassador of both the Yoruba heritage and the Nigerian nation.
The tour concluded at Lagos House, where Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended Lookman’s achievements and reiterated the state’s commitment to empowering young athletes and promoting sports as a vehicle for social and economic transformation.
Hon. Adeboye, who coordinated the entire recognition process, emphasized the importance of honoring local talent at the highest levels. “Lookman’s journey is a powerful story of discipline, belief, and opportunity,” he stated. “It reaffirms our mission to identify and elevate grassroots talent—because greatness begins at the base.”
The event marks a continuing commitment by the Tinubu administration to place youth development and sports at the center of national pride and international recognition. Lookman’s success, coming on the heels of Victor Osimhen’s CAF title in 2023, further positions Nigeria as a consistent powerhouse in African football.
