Ademola Lookman Pays Courtesy Visit to President Tinubu Following Stellar Season

Reigning CAF African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday as part of his appreciation tour across Nigeria, following a standout 2024/25 season with Italian side Atalanta BC.

Accompanied by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, the Nigerian international met with the President at his Lagos residence. The visit capped a week of public engagements, including a return to his Lagos Island roots where he was greeted with a hero’s welcome—complete with music, chants, and community celebrations.

Lookman, 27, proudly carried his CAF award as he connected with fans and celebrities alike. He paid courtesy calls to top Nigerian artistes, presenting a signed Atalanta jersey to Davido and receiving branded merchandise from Zlatan Ibile's ZTTW clothing label—blending sports diplomacy with Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment scene.

This was Lookman’s first official meeting with President Tinubu since clinching the CAF title. However, the President had previously celebrated his achievement in a December 2024 statement, calling Lookman a symbol of Nigerian resilience and excellence. “Thank you for keeping our flag flying. You will win more in the future,” the President had said via his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga.

President Tinubu also expressed optimism that Lookman’s success would inspire a new generation of African athletes, highlighting the importance of perseverance, discipline, and national pride.

Despite stiff competition this year, Lookman’s 2024/25 campaign was exceptional. He made 31 Serie A appearances, scoring 15 goals with five assists. In the UEFA Champions League, he added five goals and one assist across seven matches. He also featured in the Supercoppa Italiana, reinforcing his influence across multiple competitions.

Lookman’s visit follows a tradition of elite Nigerian athletes meeting with the President, much like boxing champion Anthony Joshua’s courtesy visit during the festive "Detty December" season.