Joseph Yobo praises ‘important player’ Ademola Lookman

Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has praised Ademola Lookman, highlighting his remarkable improvement and tipping him as a strong contender for the CAF Player of the Year Award.

Yobo’s comments come after Lookman’s impressive season, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Super Eagles reach the AFCON 2023 final and led his club, Atalanta, to their first European title with a stunning hat-trick in the final against Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Lookman’s form has carried into the new season, with the forward netting the winning goal against Fiorentina and giving a strong performance in Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League draw against Arsenal.

Despite being contained by Arsenal’s defence in the match, Yobo emphasized how far Lookman has come in his development.

In an interview with Brilla, Yobo stated, “Lookman is a threat. He has so much talent, and I’ve known this for five years, but now, he’s much more mature.

He was just unlucky not to win the AFCON. In the final, he wasn’t at his best, and Nigeria struggled. That shows just how important he is to the team.”

Yobo also commended Lookman’s growing tactical awareness and work rate, saying, “He tracks back, helps defensively, and understands his responsibilities on the pitch.

He needs to keep doing that, and what he’s achieved so far has already put him in the pole position for the African Player of the Year.”