Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has expressed gratitude for his decision to represent Nigeria, describing it as a turning point in his career.
The 27-year-old, born in England, previously represented the Three Lions at youth level, winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017 alongside stars like Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Despite his early promise, Lookman’s senior career in England and Germany fell short of expectations, and a call-up to England’s senior team seemed unlikely.
In 2022, Lookman opted to switch allegiance to Nigeria. The same year, he signed for Serie A club Atalanta—a decision that coincided with a remarkable upturn in his fortunes.
In an interview with Sporty TV, Lookman highlighted the significance of his choice to don Nigeria’s green and white. “It was massive. It was the big turning point in my career. Ever since I put on the Super Eagles jersey, it’s been fruitful. We’ve achieved a lot as a team and are still growing, but the camaraderie within the squad is something very special,” Lookman said.
He reflected on Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, where they narrowly missed out on the title. “The foundations are there, and it’s a fantastic feeling to represent my country with pride,” he added.
Over the past 18 months, Lookman has enjoyed success both for Atalanta and Nigeria. His standout performances included a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final, further cementing his status as a key player.
His contributions earned him a spot among the final five nominees for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, making him the only Super Eagles player to achieve the feat. Lookman and William Troost-Ekong were the initial nominees, but Lookman advanced to the final shortlist.
The forward’s rise underscores the positive impact of his allegiance to Nigeria, as he continues to inspire both club and country.
