“It’s special being in the list” – Ademola Lookman elated ahead of tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony

Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, Ademola Olajade Lookman has revealed his ecstasy ahead of tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant year, breaking into the Super Eagles starting eleven, leading them to the AFCON 2023 final while claiming a place in the competition’s team of the tournament.

He extended the hand of success to his club side, reaching the Coppa Italia final against Juventus and scored a hat-trick against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final.

Lookman’s success for club and country saw him nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, and was the only Nigeria to achieve such a feat this year.

“It’s obviously special being in the list. I have achieved great things for club and country. It’s been a defining year in terms of progress and  steps taken which I’m very proud of. This is just the start. Obviously, great things come with hard work, so, working hard is an important thing to me,” the former Everton man spoke on how he feels to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or.

Quizzed about what life has been since he moved from England to Italy, Lookman was appreciative of how Atalanta has aided his growth on and off the pitch.

“It’s the platform the club gave me. The coach likes to attack, to score goals. To create the progress that we’ve made over the past two years has been very good and it’s because of the environment I’ve been able to show my qualities in.

Coming out of my comfort zone is never easy for anybody, but I’m open to the idea of being better, not just as a player, but as a person, so it has helped me to grow as a man,” the Super Eagles forward said in an Interview with BBC Africa.

Reminiscing about the UEFA Europa League final, the London-born Nigerian admitted that night in Ireland was something special.

“Leverkusen were on fire in that season.  For us to be able to do that on that night, and to celebrate with our families was very special. Those are the moments you wish and you dream for.”

Lookman’s standing in the Ballon d’Or rankings is yet to be revealed, but his performance last season is one that’ll live long in the memory of Nigerians and Africans at large.