Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has described his decision to switch international allegiance from England to Nigeria as one of the best choices he has made in his career.
Lookman, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, had early success representing England at the youth level, playing in the European U-19 Championships and being part of the squad that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017. Speaking during an interview with Arise TV, the reigning African Footballer of the Year expressed no regrets about embracing his Nigerian roots.
“Without doubt. It changed my career and my life. People know that. This is my home; this is my place, Nigeria. I am the son of the soil,” he said.
The 27-year-old attributed his rise to success to hard work, discipline, and consistency.
“I think just self-belief and just working hard every day. I think if you work hard every single day, you get the confidence, and you grow in what you do. And you know that because you’re working hard every day, and one day you reap the benefits,” he said.
“Every single day I continue to try and work hard to try and be better. Whether that’s on or off the field. I just keep on keeping in that way, and that’s been helping me.”
Reflecting on being honored with a prestigious CAF award for his performances, Lookman spoke with heartfelt pride.
“It’s amazing. It’s a privilege to have this. I take it with real pride because I saw many great players and the likes of the big players in the world. This award, for me to be among them, is a blessing,” he said.
“I’m bringing it back home now to Lagos. I went to Phase 2; I spent a lot of time there as a kid. That’s where I’m bringing it back to Lagos today. It’s a privilege to present it to the president.”
Despite reaching major milestones, Lookman stressed that he’s still far from the end of his journey and has much more to achieve in his career.
“Retiring now, I’m being content. It’s not in my mind, not even anywhere in my thoughts. It’s a long, long journey, and there’s so much more to achieve,” he said.
“For me, this is another part of my journey. It’s a long, long road,” he added.
Lookman recently returned to Lagos for a warm homecoming, where he presented his CAF award to President Bola Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
