NOTHING like success; it has many fathers. Nothing like a name; it paves way for you. Nothing like integrity, for they are the people with pure heart for they shall not only see the promised land but meet God in heaven. Nothing like patience rapped with humility, for those that endure end up eating the fattest bone. Their reward unlike that of the teachers is on earth and so shall it be for footballers who know their onions. Hardwork with prayer, they say pays.
For Ademola Lookman, football changed the lives of the family and you need to see the smiles on their faces after winning the 2024 CAF player of the year.
The parents played a big role, motivating him with the little they had and supporting him with their prayers. When he was not strong enough, they fed him with “Fufu” so that he could meet up.What a mother.Now it is the time of harvest.
According Lookman, his parents used to work 8 hours daily and get paid. Thank God, Lookman did not work in a country where common people are oppressed. Though poor they struggled to make ends meet. To, survive, it was a battle and elements of luck. Once, they were thrown out of their rented apartment because the parents could not afford to pay the rent. As a small boy, he could still remember what he passed through. Urhobo people will always tell you that” O boy re ruomo, che rooo” meaning a child does not forget the way he is treated by people. Today, the story has changed. They cannot just pay rents but build mansions if they so desire. They can afford to fly first class to any country of their choice. That is football for you. Like every other endeavour, if well managed, could bring smiles to a country like Nigeria whose people are impoverished and passing through the worst in their history.
However, the issue here is to take a critical look at how Lookman who wasregarded as a poor boy then took his destiny by his hands and got transformed from an unknown to the world stage.
The story of lookman is very interesting and it is a big lesson that sends message to others that nothing like home. When Outsiders reject you, you come home but when you are rejected at home, it becomes a burden. According to late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, that becomes double wahala.
Lookman took the wisest decision in 2022 when he switched allegiance to Nigeria after playing for England U-20 in South Korea in 2017. This bold move has catapulted him to becoming the 14th best footballer in the World and the best in Africa in 2024. That is within 4 years of taken that crucial decision. Not how far but how well.
Today the unknown player is being hunted by big clubs such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, PSG and a host of others.
This is no doubt, a lesson to those Nigerians like Tammy Abraham, John Fashanu, Gabriel Agbonlahon, Bukayo Saka and others who shunned the Country when the opportunity was presented to them. I am very sure many of them who have been ignored by England would be biting their fingers today.
It is also a lesson for the younger ones who should emulate Ademola Lookman. In his acceptance speech, the atalanta attacking midfielder took time to send the same message to the upcoming ones to be up and doing.
“ Just over 4 years ago,I failed in front of the World. Fast forward 4 years and I am the best player in Africa. To the young Children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly”.
To the younger ones, you have heard from the master and to those in other endeavour, Lookman has spoken.
One thing that endeared Lookman to the hearts of Nigerians is his sense of humility. No wonder, some fans threatened to do otherwise if the award was not given to him.
It all started in the morning of the day the award was given when rumour mongers and fake news merchants went to town that Morocco’ s player, Hakimi had been pencilled down to win the award And that his Club President in PSG would be flying with him in a private jet to the venue.
Hear the fan,” Look bro, thank God, Lookman won. Anything on the contrary would have been a robbery. We aren’t rooting for him because he is a Nigerian but because he deserves it. If Barbra Banda had not won the female category, it would have been a robbery too. Let’s not try to be subjective in our positions. For even being the only African player in Ballon D,Or this year and finishing 14th makes the best for the award. The records are there and far above others” he wrote on his Instagram.
To become the king of football in Africa, Ademola Lookman won the Europa League with Atlanta where he scored hat trick in the final.
The aftermath of Lookman’ victory should no doubt spur other players to do the needful. If lookman rejected by England 4 years ago and took the wise decision to return home could become the best player in Africa within that short period swimming in millions, you too can do the same thing if not better.
To those players in diaspora who are still undecided, Lookman’s award is a wakeup call that East or West, home is the best.
