Ademola Lookman Visits President Tinubu in Lagos, Presents CAF Award
Super Eagles star and African football sensation Ademola Lookman paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his Lagos residence on Friday, in a heartwarming meeting that celebrated Nigerian excellence on the global sports stage.
Lookman, who recently etched his name in football history with a scintillating hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final for Italian club Atalanta, was warmly received by the President. The 26-year-old forward capped off a phenomenal season by presenting his 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year award to President Tinubu a gesture symbolic of both national pride and personal gratitude.
Speaking after the meeting, Lookman revealed the President’s encouraging words. “He said wherever I go, he would support me. It is great I have the support of the President,” Lookman said, beaming with pride.
Lookman was accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, during the visit. The encounter served as a powerful statement of unity between government leadership and Nigerian talent thriving abroad.
President Tinubu congratulated Lookman on his historic accomplishments, hailing his remarkable season at Atalanta where he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists across competitions. Most notably, his Europa League final hat-trick secured Atalanta’s first-ever European title a feat that sent shockwaves through the footballing world and brought immense pride to Nigeria.
Lookman’s influence extended to the international stage as well. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s march to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), contributing three crucial goals and earning a place in the tournament’s Best XI.
While in Lagos, Lookman also made time to reconnect with his roots. He visited his parents on Lagos Island, receiving a hero’s welcome from friends, family, and fans who gathered to celebrate his achievements. In another moment of cultural camaraderie, he met with Nigerian music icons Davido and Zlatan, exchanging gifts and bonding over shared pride in Nigerian artistry and excellence.
The visit was not just a celebration of one man’s success but a testament to the growing synergy between Nigeria’s leaders and its global ambassadors. Lookman’s journey from a London-born footballer to Nigeria’s pride on the world stage reflects the strength of identity, heritage, and national unity.
As the spotlight shines ever brighter on Ademola Lookman, his visit to President Tinubu’s Lagos residence marks a memorable chapter in his career and a proud moment for Nigeria.
