Ademola Lookman returned to Nigeria to a hero’s welcome as he arrived in Lagos carrying the CAF African Footballer of the Year award, a first in his career and a moment that sent fans into a celebratory frenzy, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 27-year-old, whose glittering form in the 2023/24 season saw him clinch the continent’s most prestigious individual football honour, touched down to a rapturous reception at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Supporters, clad in Nigeria and Atalanta’s colours, erupted in song and dance, beating drums and chanting his name as he emerged with the CAF trophy in his hand in a video shared on X on Monday evening by Justina Aniefok.
The celebration was Lookman’s first public appearance in Nigeria with the CAF Player of the Year title since his triumph in December 2024.
His journey to the accolade saw him helping Atalanta to a historic UEFA Europa League title and playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, then followed by a sensational campaign in which he scored a career-high 20 goals.
With the English-born Nigerian being near certain to leave Bergamo in the summer according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in February, he has become one of Europe’s most sought-after attackers, sparking transfer interest from elite clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Juventus.
Atalanta have reportedly placed a valuation of €65m on him, amid firm resistance to previous offers from Paris Saint-Germain.
Lookman’s future became even more pivotal in light of reports from Calciomercato suggesting that Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini is demanding that the club retain at least two of his top stars, including Lookman, as a condition for renewing his contract.
The Italian coach is wary of a mass exodus amid growing transfer interest in their best performers.
