Ademola Lookman’s inclusion as the only African on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist has drawn significant attention, not only for his exceptional performance with Atalanta but also for his continued excellence on the international stage with Nigeria. His recent display against Benin cements his claim to be a top contender for African Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of Nigeria’s football greats.

Lookman’s nomination is a recognition of his vital contributions to Atalanta’s success, particularly during the 2022/23 season, where he played a pivotal role in the club’s triumph in the Europa League. The 26-year-old forward was instrumental in Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy, highlighted by his stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in May, which helped the Italian side secure a 3-0 victory. That win not only handed Leverkusen their only defeat of the season but also ended their unbeaten run, with Lookman orchestrating the downfall of the German side. His standout performances have earned him the distinction of being the sole African player in this year’s 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist.

Critics and analysts agree that Lookman has steadily grown into his potential, but 2024 has undoubtedly been his breakthrough year. His stellar performances for Nigeria have not gone unnoticed, especially his pivotal role in leading the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost 2-1 to host nation Ivory Coast. Lookman’s contribution of three goals during the tournament marked him as one of Nigeria’s best players.

In the Italian Serie A, Lookman’s consistency continued as he netted 11 goals, helping Atalanta secure a fourth-place finish and earning a spot in this season’s UEFA Champions League. His Europa League heroics, particularly his hat-trick in the final, have cemented his reputation as a player for big occasions. Despite rumors linking him to a summer transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Lookman remains committed to Atalanta, with both Italian and African football fans eagerly watching to see if he can build on his success.

Significantly, Lookman’s nomination makes him the eighth Nigerian player to be considered for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. His inclusion is a sign of resurgence for Nigerian football at the global level. Two consecutive years of nominations for Nigerian players—Victor Osimhen last year and now Lookman—mirror the era between 1995 and 1999, when Nigeria consistently had players featured in the Ballon d’Or shortlist.

During that golden period, legends such as Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, and Austin Okocha graced the list. In 1995, Finidi George finished 21st, while Amokachi and Okocha did not receive votes. The following year, Kanu Nwankwo emerged as a formidable presence, finishing 11th in 1996. Kanu would go on to secure another Ballon d’Or nomination in 1999, solidifying his legacy as one of Nigeria’s football greats. Other nominees in that era included Victor Ikpeba in 1997 and Sunday Oliseh in 1998.

While Lookman’s goal is undoubtedly a top-three finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings, the challenge remains monumental. The highest-ranked African in the award’s history is George Weah, who won the Ballon d’Or in 1995. Since then, Didier Drogba came closest in 2007, finishing fourth behind Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi. Lookman now has the opportunity to build on this legacy, with his Europa League final performance and strong AFCON campaign serving as his strongest cases.

Looking beyond Lookman’s individual achievements, his nomination is a source of pride for Nigeria and a reminder of the nation’s rich football heritage. This period evokes memories of Nigeria’s dominance in continental and global football, particularly during the 1990s when Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Kanu Nwankwo consistently lifted the African Footballer of the Year trophy.

In 1993, Rashidi Yekini became the first Nigerian to win Africa’s top football honor, and in subsequent years, Amuneke, Kanu, and Victor Ikpeba added to Nigeria’s trophy cabinet. This golden era also coincided with Nigeria’s highest-ever FIFA World Ranking, where the Super Eagles entered the 1994 World Cup as the fifth-best team in the world.

With Osimhen’s nomination last year and Lookman’s inclusion this year, the conversation around the development of football in Nigeria has reignited. Many fans and pundits are calling for a return to grassroots development, emphasizing the need to invest in school sports and youth programs to discover the next generation of Nigerian stars. As one Nigerian football analyst pointed out: “We have many Osimhens and Lookmans, but we need to go back to the grassroots to discover them.”

Lookman’s remarkable achievements for Atalanta and Nigeria serve as a beacon of what is possible when talent is nurtured and given opportunities. His Ballon d’Or nomination is not only a personal victory but also a call to action for the Nigerian football community to ensure that the country continues to produce world-class players.