Nigerian international forward Ademola Lookman, the reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year, recently embarked on a post-season thank-you tour in Nigeria following an impressive 2024/25 football campaign with his Italian club, Atalanta BC. During this tour, Lookman engaged in several high-profile meetings and celebrations, sharing his achievements with his home country.

A key highlight of his tour was a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos. Lookman, accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, met with the President at his Lagos residence. This meeting was part of a week filled with public appearances and celebrations across Lagos, where the footballer was warmly received.

Continuing his engagements with key state figures, Lookman also met with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Marina. During this courtesy visit, where he was accompanied by his father and Mr. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Lookman presented his CAF African Footballer of the Year award to the governor.

The prestigious CAF African Footballer of the Year award was won by Lookman on December 16, 2024, an honor he received after a spectacular year for both club and country, succeeding fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen who won it in 2023. Lookman proudly carried this award throughout his public appearances in Nigeria.

Lookman's tour also included a heartfelt return to his roots on Lagos Island, where he was met with jubilant chants, music, and a hero’s welcome from excited fans and community members. He made cultural and entertainment stops, spending time with prominent Nigerian artistes Davido and Zlatan Ibile. He presented Davido with a signed Atalanta jersey and received merchandise from Zlatan’s clothing label, ZTTW, bridging sports and culture.

This formal meeting with President Tinubu followed an earlier acknowledgement of Lookman's achievements. In December 2024, after Lookman secured the CAF award, President Tinubu had released a statement through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, commending the player. The President stated, “These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They represent the best of us as a nation... Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.” President Tinubu also expressed hope that Lookman’s success would inspire a new generation of African athletes.

Lookman's international career with the Nigerian Super Eagles has been notable. He played a crucial role in the team's qualification for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring two goals in four matches during the qualification series. During the tournament, held in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, Lookman was a talisman for Nigeria. He provided an assist in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea, scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16, and netted the sole goal in a 1-0 quarter-final win against Angola. His contributions helped Nigeria reach the semi-finals and earned him a place as the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in the knockout rounds of a single AFCON edition, alongside legends like Odion Ighalo, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, and Rashidi Yekini. He was subsequently named in the official CAF team of the tournament for the 2023 AFCON.

At club level with Atalanta, Lookman delivered an outstanding 2023/24 season, a major highlight being his historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final. His three goals secured a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy. Following this, his 2024/25 season continued to be impressive, with Lookman making 31 appearances in Serie A, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists. He also featured in seven UEFA Champions League matches, netting five goals and registering one assist, and participated in the Supercoppa Italiana.

Lookman's visit to President Tinubu is reminiscent of similar engagements by other celebrated Nigerian athletes, such as boxing champion Anthony Joshua, further highlighting the recognition given to sporting heroes in the country. His tour served as a celebration of his personal achievements and the pride he has brought to Nigeria through his footballing prowess.