Ballon d’Or: You can do better next year, NFF boss Gusau encourages Lookman

By Tosin Omojola

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has commended Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, expressing confidence that the talented forward can achieve a much higher position next year.

Lookman secured 14th place in this year’s contest, the gala for which was held in Paris on Monday night, and it was won by Manchester City ace Rodri.

“The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his achievement, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday night’s gala, being the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated player in Serie A in the race.

“We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.”

Lookman scored three crucial goals for Nigeria as the Super Eagles finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year. He also scored all three goals in the Europa League final, leading his Italian club, Atalanta, to victory over German side Bayer Leverkusen.

This season, he has remained a key contributor for both club and country. He has scored two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, although two other goals were controversially disallowed.

Most pundits predict he will win this year’s Africa Player of the Year award. If that happens, it will mark the first time a Nigerian has won the continental award from a fellow Nigerian since ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Nosa Ikpeba took over from Nwankwo Kanu in 1997. The first award was in 1994 when Emmanuel Amuneke succeeded Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).