Newly-crowned King of African football, Ademola Lookman, has charged young children all over the world never to allow their failures to be the end of their careers.
The Super Eagles winger stated this in his emotional and inspiring acceptance speech Monday night after being named the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
Lookman used the occasion to reflect on his journey, including the challenges he faced following a missed penalty for Everton in November 2020.
It would be recalled that in 2020, while playing for Fulham in the Premier League, Lookman who attempted a Panenka-style penalty in stoppage time against West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, missed the penalty kick.
His chipped effort lacked power, falling straight into Fabianski’s hands, resulting in a 1-0 loss for Fulham.
The then-Fulham manager, Scott Parker severely criticized him for the penalty miss, even as he drew mockery from the public on social media.
I’m disappointed and angry. You can’t take penalties like that, and he knows that. He’s a young player, and he’s learning,” Parker had said after the game.
But, reflecting on the incident on Monday, 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.”
The 27-year-old went ahead to encourage young children around the world to not to let their failures end their ambition.
“I want to say to the young children and people watching this: Don’t let your failures weigh you down to the point they break your wings. As a matter of fact, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight,” he said.
The Super Eagles winger edged out Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy, to claim the prestigious award.
About The Author
