Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has thrown his weight behind Ademola Lookman’s bid for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award, highlighting the Nigerian winger’s remarkable transformation into one of football’s most dynamic talents. Lookman’s stellar performances for both club and country have earned him a coveted spot among the final nominees for the continent’s highest individual honor.
Speaking to Foot Africa, Rohr emphasized how Lookman has overcome early career challenges to emerge as an exceptional talent. “He has made a lot of progress. His difficult first seasons in England and Germany are now a thing of the past. He has managed to get back up and shine,” the current Benin Republic coach observed, reflecting on Lookman’s journey from promising prospect to established star.
The 27-year-old’s credentials for the award are compelling, marked by outstanding achievements at both international and club levels throughout the year. His impact at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire was particularly noteworthy, where he netted three crucial goals and provided an assist across seven appearances, demonstrating his ability to perform on the continental stage.
Perhaps most impressively, Lookman’s club form with Atalanta has reached new heights, highlighted by a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final. His current season statistics speak volumes about his consistency and influence, having already accumulated 11 goals and five assists in just 18 appearances across all competitions for the Italian side.
Rohr, who previously managed Lookman during his tenure as Super Eagles coach, has witnessed firsthand the player’s evolution. I followed him a few years ago with the Super Eagles. He went from the shadows to the light. Today, he is a complete player, as effective as an assister as he is as a scorer,” the experienced coach explained, emphasizing Lookman’s versatility and all-round contribution to the game.
The Nigerian international’s journey to this point hasn’t been straightforward. After facing initial struggles during his spells in England and Germany, Lookman has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to reinvent himself. His successful adaptation to Italian football with Atalanta has proven to be a career-defining move, allowing him to showcase his full repertoire of skills in one of Europe’s most tactically sophisticated leagues.
Lookman’s evolution into a complete forward has been particularly evident in his ability to both create and finish chances. His performances this season have shown a perfect balance between goalscoring prowess and creative influence, making him an invaluable asset for both club and country. The combination of pace, technical skill, and tactical intelligence has made him one of the most feared attackers in Serie A.
The potential CAF African Player of the Year award would not only recognize Lookman’s individual brilliance but also mark a significant milestone in his career trajectory. His nomination alongside other African football luminaries reflects the tremendous progress he has made and his growing influence in the global game.
As the football world awaits the announcement of the winner, Lookman continues to strengthen his case with consistently impressive performances for Atalanta. His success story serves as an inspiration to young African players, demonstrating how talent combined with perseverance and hard work can lead to excellence at the highest level.
Rohr’s endorsement carries particular weight given his extensive experience in African football and his intimate knowledge of Lookman’s capabilities from their time together with the Nigerian national team. His assessment of Lookman as a worthy candidate for the award adds credibility to the winger’s candidacy and highlights the remarkable progress made by one of Nigeria’s most exciting football talents.
