Ademola Lookman: 'Choosing Nigeria changed my life'

Photo Credit - Atalanta SC.

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has indicated that switching allegiance from England to represent Nigeria was a defining moment of his career.

London-born Lookman represented England at youth level but decided to turn to his fatherland for his senior international career in 2022. The 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year opened up in an interview with ARISE TV.

“There’s no doubt about it — choosing Nigeria changed my life. This is my home, this is where I belong. I feel proud every time I wear the green and white. I’m the son of the soil.” He added.

“It’s all about belief and daily dedication. When you show up and give everything, even on your worst days, you grow. That mindset carried me through tough spells — even when I missed that penalty at Fulham, I kept going,” he said.

The Charlton Athletic graduate shared his thoughts on winning the CAF Player of the Award. “Honestly, it feels surreal. To be named among the greats who have won this award — players I looked up to growing up — is truly an honor. I carry it with pride,” Lookman said.

The former RB Leipzig and Fulham player made headlines in May 2024 when he fired a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing the Italian club’s first-ever European title. Lookman, 27, returned to Lagos where he presented the trophy to President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.