“I just try to improve” – Ademola Lookman focused despite Ballon d’Or nomination

Lookman scored a brace in Nigeria's 3-0 win against the Republic of Benin last month, taking his goal tally with the national team to six.

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman, has revealed he remains unfazed despite being nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign with La Dea last season, leading them to the UEFA Europa League title, and just missed out lifting the Coppa Italia with his club side. He was also a core member of the Nigerian team that reached the AFCON 2023 final, scoring three goals in Ivory Coast.

His fine form saw him become the 8th Nigerian footballer to get a Ballon d’Or nomination, and he’s continued in the same vein this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists in six games.

Following Atalanta’s 3-0 midweek win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League, Lookman admitted he wasn’t trying to change anything despite getting a nomination for the award, rather, he wants to continue with what got him there.

“I don’t know if people’s perception of me has changed, but I just try to improve and become stronger everyday. This is the most important thing for me. I try to work hard on a daily basis for my character and my goals and I’ve remained the same person as before. We have a very strong group of attackers, great players with different characteristics. Each one wants to play to show their qualities. Being able to take the field with players like this is wonderful for me. They help me become better,” the former Everton man said in quotes revealed by The Guardian.

Lookman scored a goal and provided an assist against Shakhtar Donetsk before he was withdrawn on the hour mark. He was given the man of the match award in that game.

 

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Recent Posts

“I truly believe it” -Éric Chelle optimistic about Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Éric Sékou Chelle, is confident he can lead the three-time… Read More

20 minutes ago

“It was important” – Fulham head coach explains Bassey’s exclusion from FA Cup win over Watford

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva, has revealed why he opted not to field Super Eagles… Read More

1 hour ago

Super Eagles’ new boss Eric Chelle reveals three Nigerian football heroes he admires

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has expressed his admiration for some of Nigeria’s greatest football icons… Read More

2 hours ago

NFF President reveals Eric Chelle’s first assignment as Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that coach Eric Chelle will only… Read More

3 hours ago

“We will score goals” – Eric Chelle’s first Super Eagles vow is great music to Osimhen, Lookman

Eric Sékou Chelle has promised to reinstate the Super Eagles’ reputation as a high-scoring team,… Read More

3 hours ago

WATCH: Eric Chelle hugs Augustine Eguavoen at the Super Eagles coach unveiling in Abuja

Malian tactician Eric Chelle has met with Augustine Eguavoen at the venue of the unveiling… Read More

5 hours ago