Lookman admits it would be special to win African POTY but insists he's not under pressure

Ademola Lookman has revealed that he is not feeling any pressure to perform to win the African Men's Footballer of the Year award.

The Atalanta forward is in contention with William Troost-Ekong, Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy and six others for the award.

Lookman has been on a meteoric rise in the last 12 months, having helped Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League, their first major title since the Copa Italia triumph in the 1962/1963 season.

He was the only African player nominated for the Ballon d'Or and was ranked 14th at the end of the voting process, ahead of Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka.

Being the only African nominated for the Ballon d'Or may have handed the Super Eagles forward the advantage to scoop the African Player of the Year Award.

Speaking with 54footballx, the former Everton winger admitted that he would be glad to win the award, but he is not under additional pressure to do so.

"I don't think I am feeling additional pressure. I think I have kept the same mindset, I have kept the same work ethic. I am just trying to do my best, do my best on the pitch."

"I think I try to improve every single day, and you know if I can win the award, it would be special most definitely for me, my family, my people, my country, but you, that is the future. The future will come. Now, I need to focus on doing my best.”

Lookman has been in stellar form for Atalanta, registering 10 goal involvements across all competitions and has also scored two goals for the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

He has continuously been linked with a move away from the Gewiss Stadium, with Paris Saint-Germain still reportedly interested in his services, but it would be interesting to see what he decides to do next.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com