Sport
“Don’t Let Your Failures Break Your Wings”- Lookman on Winning CAF Player of the Year
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman delivered an inspiring and heartfelt acceptance speech after being named the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.
The 27-year-old Nigerian footballer received the prestigious award, beating out strong competition from top names such as Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman took a moment to reflect on a pivotal turning point in his career.
He recalled an unforgettable moment from 2020 when he was playing for Fulham in the Premier League.
In a crucial match against West Ham, Lookman attempted a panenka-style penalty in the dying moments of the game.
His delicate chip lacked the necessary power, and the ball meekly landed into the hands of West Ham’s goalkeeper, Lukasz Fabianski.
Fulham went on to lose 1-0, and the miss became a memorable moment of disappointment in Lookman’s career.
However, Lookman didn’t allow that moment to define him.
Instead, he used it as a catalyst for growth and determination.
Reflecting on the incident, 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,” Lookman continued, “don’t let your failures weigh you down to the point where they break your wings.
Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly.”
Former Chelsea midfielder, Claude Makelele advises team to sign in Nigerian Player, Osimhen during the summer transfer.
The ex midfielder praised Osimhen and stated how he will be a strong player in the team. He shared that Osimhen is a finisher and that’s what the team needs.
“Osimhen is a finisher. I think for the way Chelsea plays, they need this kind of striker to have a presence in the box. I think he will be the best option for Chelsea.”
The Super Eagles are aiming for their first away win against Rwanda in Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Nigeria has struggled to beat the Amavubi in Kigali, with three previous meetings ending without a win.
The last time they faced Rwanda in a World Cup qualifier at the Amahoro Stadium was in 2004, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
In 2011, both teams played to a goalless draw in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Stade Regional de Nyamirambo. Another goalless draw followed in September last year during a 2025 AFCON qualifying match at the Amahoro Stadium.
With three draws and one loss from their first four games, the Super Eagles are in fifth place in Group C with just three points. Rwanda, on the other hand, sits comfortably in second place with seven points. The Super Eagles need to break their winless streak to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has stirred up a heated debate with his latest take on Nigerian football.
The Cast crooner recently declared Mikel Obi as the greatest Nigerian footballer of all time in a post on X, which quickly sparked mixed reactions.
While some agreed with his choice, others argued that players like Rashidi Yekini, Kanu Nwankwo, and Austin Jay-Jay Okocha deserve the title instead.
Mikel Obi had an impressive club career, winning two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League with Chelsea.
On the international stage, he helped Nigeria win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and secured a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics. He also came close to being named African Footballer of the Year in 2013, finishing as the runner-up.
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