Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, delivered a powerful acceptance speech after he was named the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
Lookman won the prize ahead of Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Speaking after his name was announced, the 27-year-old recalled a defining moment in his career.
In 2020 while playing for Fulham in the Premier League, Lookman tried to dink a stoppage-time penalty over West Ham goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski, in a panenka style.
His chipped effort lacked power, dropping tamely into Fabianski’s hands and Fulham lost 1-0.
Referring to the incident on Monday, Lookman said: ““Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world.
Fast forward four years and I’m the best player in Africa.
“To the young children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly.”
