Super Eagles and Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman looks certain to clinch the Africa Footballer of the Year. He would be stepping into the shoes vacated by another Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who now plies his trade with Galatasaray of Turkey.

Super Eagles and Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman looks certain to clinch the Africa Footballer of the Year. He would be stepping into the shoes vacated by another Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who now plies his trade with Galatasaray of Turkey, Taiwo Alimi reports.

Lookman may have been living in quiet achievement for a while until he blossomed at the final of the 2024 Europa League netting three goals to defeat hot favourites Leverkusen that have remained unbeaten in the season. The German champions were comprehensively beaten by the Italian club, and all thanks to Lookman, who made history and the difference on an historical night.

GASPERINI

Speaking on a podcast recently, the Super Eagles highest scorer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where Nigeria finished as runners-up to host country Cote d’Ivoire fingered Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini as his motivator who unleashed the genius in him.

“I’ve been saying it that I believed in my abilities but I also learnt a great deal from Coach (Gasperini). He’s a great motivator and a good teacher and trainer. He often calls us aside and speaks to me one on one. He would tell me where to go and how to play to be able to achieve my potential. I respect him a lot because he’s grounded and knows how to bright out the genius in people. He’s calm and knows how to motivate players in a calm manner.”

Gasperini, he added inspired him to greatness with patience and guidance.

“He would tell me that I have the ability to becoming one of the best strikers in the world; that I needed to bring my game out. Even, when I did not live up to his expectation, he did not give up on me. He would take me aside and speak with me. The fans were also patient with me and I’m happy I could pay them back for their great support.”

Lookman did not actually bloom until he got under the wings of Gasperini.

He had a difficult spell at Leipzig, before loan moves to Fulham and Leicester City; there he once again struggled to make a real impact.

The Super Eagles forward joined Atalanta two years ago and has blossomed since.

A TOP PLAYER

In another interview, Gasperini giving an insight into Lookman’s meteoric rise corroborated the winger’s claim.

“Lookman is a top player today, but he wasn’t before. He was strong but tended to light up in flashes and at other times would disappear from the game.

“He was the same in training sessions. I worked with him using the patience of an artisan craftsman. What he did in the last few weeks feels like his maturity. Now he wants the ball, participates in the game, works with his teammates.”

TRANSFORMATION

Lookman has undergone a remarkable transformation since joining Atalanta, evolving from a player who struggled to find his footing in the Premier League to one of Europe’s most prolific scorers.

Lookman’s journey in football has been anything but straightforward. After stints at several English clubs, including Everton and Leicester City, where he averaged only five goals per season, he made a €15 million move to Atalanta in the summer of 2022.

His impact was immediate and profound, as he scored an impressive 32 goals in his first two seasons in Serie A, including a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen last May.

This change is largely attributed to the guidance of his manager, Gasperini, who has been hailed as a master tactician for nurturing attacking talents.

Football analyst Mario Falini, has dubbed Gasperini as the “Ivy League for attackers,” highlighting his ability to elevate the performances of strikers and attacking midfielders.

“The craziest thing about Gasperini is that he takes players and they all have career seasons,” the CBS pundit noted, emphasising the remarkable influence of the coach and leadership.

“Ademola Lookman was a guy who was at Everton, scoring maybe five goals, loaned to Leicester City, and finished with five goals,” he stated. “Now, he is one of the better players in Europe.”

“I could give you 10 strikers and attacking midfielders that he takes and I have said that he is the Ivy League for attackers,” he added.

“They go to this club (Atalanta) and for whatever reason, they all have career seasons. They go to him, they are 20 goals a season strikers.”

“He has to be seen as one of the best managers in the world. He’s going to go down as the best coach in their (Atalanta) history – one of the best Italian managers of the century.”

Lookman’s story is a reminder of the resilience and the right coaching, from Gasperini, who fans in the comment section also described as ‘Gas the Genius’ – proving that with the right environment, talent can truly flourish.

CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Lookman is one of the frontrunners for the CAF Player of the Year award, and his performance for the Super Eagles at AFCON 2023, and throughout the season for Atalanta puts him in a strong position.

The above position is strongly enunciated by the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, which put Lookman in the 14th position, ahead of many notable players in Europe.

He was also the only African in the FIFA rankings and he was ahead of many Nigerians that have made the list in the past.

MAN OF FASHION

Though, his fashion sense has never been highlighted Lookman showed up in Paris among distinguished personalities and was even ranked among the Top 10 best dressed ballers in Paris.

Lookman was adjudged fourth best dresser on the red carpet in Paris.

This Nigerian king pulled out all the stops when he pulled up in Paris as the only African player to be nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. If his 17 goals for Atalanta weren’t enough last season, the former Charlton boy continues to impress with his footballing ability, finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or standings.

Rocking a black ball suit with dashing midriff cuff and while bow tie, Lookman was all smile as he walks down the carpet with confidence. His fans were on ground to call him out and encourage him on while stopping to allow Paparazzi snap him before moving on to grant a short interview.

Other players that stood out in Paris are Alejandro Garnacho. The Manchester United star rocks an oversized fit; baggy suits. Arsenal player Mariona Caldenty, who finished eighth in the standings of the Ballon d’Or made an impression with her arrival outfit. Her sleek blue shirt and trousers shone under the flash of nearby cameras, while her matching shirt added the perfect finishing touch to this relaxed, yet classy vibe.

Didier Drogba donned his style on the red carpet, suiting up in a smart white number before finishing his look with a black bow tie.

Harry Kane strode out in a beautifully tailored suit before picking up the Gerd Muller Trophy for bagging 52 goals for club and country during 2023/24, while Roma defender Mats Hummels and model girlfriend Nicola Cavanis stole the show, perfectly complimenting each other in stylish, well planned outfits.

At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal demands attention when he strolls on to a red carpet. His presence, aura and greatness make him a feared name in the football world, while also making him impossible not to love.

The Barcelona wonderkid was named the best youngster in the world at the ceremony, turning up in a grand full black suit.

However, Barcelona Women’s team midfielder, Bonmati claimed her back-to-back Ballon d’Or trophy wearing a jaw-dropping white dress that drooped to the floor beyond her stunning black heels.

A dress fit for a queen and who more deserving than the queen of world football. Those stunning silver earrings added the perfect final touch too.

Lookman is on fire going by his recent eruption at club and national teams. “You are to see my best,” he said.