“I advise Africa’s youth to never give up. Convert suffering into strength.
Although there have been many ups and downs on Ademola Lookman’s path to winning the men’s African football player of the year award, the Nigerian international is aware that his recent triumph serves as motivation.
The attacker had multiple loan stints before his comeback in Italy after joining Atalanta in August 2022 after struggling to establish himself after a high-profile transfer to the Premier League as a teenager.
On stage, Lookman, 27, said, “Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa,” as he accepted his prize in Marrakech on Monday.
“Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
He even had a particular message while dressed in a traditional Nigerian robe.
