Opinion

Ademola Lookman, African Player Award and The Super Eagles

Published

6 months ago

December 18, 2024

Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu)

Ademola Lookman’s historic triumph as the 2024 African Player of the Year marked a watershed moment not only for the talented forward but also for the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles and the Nigeria Football Federation led by Ibrahim Gusau.

Lookman’s recognition represents a monumental achievement that resonates beyond individual brilliance; it underscores the growing strength of Nigerian football and the potential of the Super Eagles as they prepare for the remaining matches of the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers.

The impact of this award can be explored through multiple lenses, including boosting the morale of the team, elevating the international reputation of Nigerian football, motivating young talents, attracting global attention to Nigerian players, and influencing the tactical and strategic direction of the national team. Lookman’s success is not just about one individual—it is a victory for Nigerian football as a whole.

Born in Wandsworth, England, to Nigerian parents, Ademola Lookman’s footballing career began at Charlton Athletic. After stints at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City, and currently, Atalanta in Italy, Lookman has emerged as one of the brightest stars in European football.

His stellar performances for Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, and his instrumental role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in 2023, cemented his place among the continent’s elite. The African Player of the Year award reflects his consistency, impact, and extraordinary ability to rise to big occasions.

For the Super Eagles, Lookman’s success brings numerous tangible and intangible gains that will positively influence the team in the new year, as the qualifiers begin in March.

One of the immediate gains of Lookman’s award is the significant morale boost it provides to the Super Eagles. Having a player recognized as Africa’s best serves as a powerful source of motivation for the entire squad.

Lookman’s achievement demonstrates to his teammates that success at the highest level is attainable. The realization that a fellow team member can compete and win against the best players on the continent will inspire others to work harder and strive for similar recognition. Such individual accolades foster a winning mentality within the team, driving players to believe in their ability to achieve greatness on both personal and team levels.

For a team like the Super Eagles, which thrives on passion, energy, and unity, Lookman’s success can serve as a rallying point for upcoming competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers and the next AFCON tournament. It creates a positive atmosphere, builds team cohesion, and strengthens the players’ resolve to win titles for Nigeria.

Lookman’s triumph on such a prestigious stage elevates the reputation of Nigerian football globally. Historically, Nigeria has produced some of Africa’s most celebrated footballers, including Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, Rashidi Yekini, and Victor Ikpeba. However, in recent years, the Super Eagles have struggled to replicate their dominance on the continental stage, leading to concerns about the team’s trajectory.

Lookman’s success provides a reminder of Nigeria’s rich footballing heritage and reaffirms the country’s status as a powerhouse of African football. By winning the African Player of the Year award, Lookman joins an exclusive list of Nigerian legends who have achieved this feat, such as Kanu and Emmanuel Amunike.

This recognition highlights the talent and depth within Nigerian football, helping to restore the country’s reputation as a breeding ground for world-class footballers. The global spotlight on Lookman also shines brightly on his Super Eagles teammates, creating opportunities for them to gain greater visibility and recognition.

Lookman’s journey to becoming Africa’s best is a powerful inspiration for aspiring young footballers in Nigeria and the diaspora. Many Nigerian youths dream of emulating their footballing heroes, and Lookman’s success offers a tangible example of what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can achieve.

His story—one of overcoming challenges, adapting to various leagues across Europe, and seizing opportunities on big stages—serves as a lesson for young players to stay focused on their goals. The visibility of his success will encourage academies across Nigeria to invest more in nurturing talent, knowing that their efforts can produce players of Lookman’s caliber.

Moreover, Lookman’s success as a dual-national player who chose to represent Nigeria over England reinforces the pride of wearing the Super Eagles jersey. It sends a clear message to other Nigerian players in the diaspora: that success can still be achieved while representing their country of origin. Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria and his subsequent triumph will motivate more dual-national players to commit to the Super Eagles, strengthening the team’s talent pool.

Winning the African Player of the Year award has also brought increased attention to Nigerian players on the global stage. Clubs, scouts, and football enthusiasts worldwide will now pay closer attention to Nigeria’s football ecosystem.

This recognition will benefit not just Lookman but also other members of the Super Eagles, as it enhances their market value and visibility. European clubs will now be more willing to scout and sign Nigerian players, knowing the country produces world-class talent. Lookman’s performances and subsequent recognition will make other Nigerian players more appealing in the global transfer market.

This exposure can lead to more Nigerian players moving to top European clubs, where they can develop their skills further, gain experience, and bring that quality back to the national team. In essence, Lookman’s success serves as a spotlight, putting Nigerian footballers on the radar of global football stakeholders.

Lookman’s style of play, versatility, and individual brilliance are assets to the Super Eagles’ tactical framework. His ability to play as a winger, forward, or attacking midfielder provides the team with flexibility and unpredictability in attack.

Winning the African Player of the Year award underscores his importance to the team and will encourage the coaching staff to build the squad around his strengths.

Furthermore, Lookman’s success will be meaningful and push other players to improve their performance to the five outstanding matches in the world cup qualifiers. his level, fostering healthy competition within the squad.

Winning an individual award often brings out a player’s leadership qualities, as they are seen as role models within the team.

Lookman’s achievement positions him as a leader and inspiration for the Super Eagles.

Ademola Lookman’s victory as the African Player of the Year is a defining moment for both the player and the Super Eagles. His achievement goes beyond individual accolades; it represents the resurgence of Nigerian football and reaffirms the country’s status as a football powerhouse.

The gains for the Super Eagles are numerous and far-reaching. From boosting team morale and inspiring young players to elevating the reputation of Nigerian football and attracting global attention, Lookman’s success has set the stage for a brighter future.

(Patrick Ngwaogu is the Executive Director of www.exclusivenews.com.ng)

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Featured

Tax Reform Bill Passage: New Tax Laws, Better Nigeria

Published

4 weeks ago

May 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Arabinrin Aderonke

Nigeria must work; this is the vision we have held onto for so long. When the news came that the Senate had passed all four tax reform bills, it was one of those moments you stop and ask yourself, is this really happening? For years, Nigeria’s tax system has been a source of frustration, something we all got used to criticizing. Truthfully, it was not just tax. From electricity to education to healthcare, we have long complained about the failure of government systems.

On top of that, Nigeria remained tied to the unstable global oil market, leaving us with unpredictable revenue and a shrinking ability to fund our future. That is exactly why we must keep believing in the idea of a new Nigeria. And this time, it is not just another round of promises, this is action.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu understood that to truly rebuild Nigeria, we needed a tax system that would create sustainable revenue, spread the burden fairly, and give every Nigerian, rich or poor, north or south, a reason to trust government again. That is what led to the introduction of the tax reform bills in 2024. It has taken months of serious policy work, consultation, and courage. Now, with the National Assembly passing all four bills, the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Nigeria Tax Administration (Procedure) Bill 2024, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill 2024, and the Joint Tax Board (Establishment) Bill 2024, we are seeing decisions that could finally loosen Nigeria’s dependence on oil and give states the resources they need to grow.

One of the features is the new VAT sharing formula. Under the proposed structure, 50 percent of Value Added Tax revenue will be shared equally among all states, 20 percent will be distributed based on population, and 30 percent will be distributed according to actual consumption. It is a formula designed to balance fairness with performance, giving each state a stake while also encouraging economic activity and good governance.

The Senate also made it known that the VAT rate will remain at 7.5 percent, resisting pressure to increase it. For Nigerians, that means no new burden added to goods and services. But more importantly, the bills approved also provided for the continued funding of development agencies such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). These are the institutions that support learning, research, and innovation across the country, and their survival is necessary for the future of the Nigeria we all want.

Another part of the bill is the plan to turn the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the Nigeria Revenue Service (Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill). But this is not just a name change. It is a coordinated effort to build a system that supports states, strengthens local government revenue, and makes tax collection more transparent.

Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of FIRS, has led the redesign of the agency and introduced many measures aimed at improving tax collection across the country, and even these Tax Reform Bills are one. If anyone has earned respect in this space, it is him. His work shows that reforms are possible when people in charge are ready to do better.

As it stands, all four tax reform bills have been passed, and these laws are now in place. This means Nigeria has completed what many consider the most needed tax reform in years.

The process now moves to the harmonization stage, where both the Senate and House of Representatives will come together to resolve any differences in their versions of the bills. Once they reach an agreement, the bills will be sent to the President for his final approval. After the President signs them into law, they will be published in the official gazette, making them official. From there, the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which will be renamed the Nigeria Revenue Service, will take the lead in implementation. With the capable Tax Boss, Dr. Zacch, we can be sure that the results will exceed expectations.

This is the Renewed Hope Nigerians have been waiting for. The changes are here, these reforms give us the chance to do things right!

Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi is the technical assistant on broadcast media to the executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service

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