Sports
Ademola Lookman Reveals His Idol In Football
Ademola Lookman, a winger for the Super Eagles and RB Leipzig, has said that Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Robinho, who played for Manchester City in the past, are his role models in football.
Before the Super Eagles’ match against Sao Tome and Principe on Monday, Lookman, who spent the previous season on loan with Leicester City, spoke with the team’s reporters. The match resulted in a 10-0 rout for the Super Eagles.
When questioned by NFF TV about the person who inspired him when he was a child, the 24-year-old responded, “My childhood idol was certainly Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I actually had a few like Cristiano Ronaldo, I liked Robinho but mainly the two Cristiano and Robinho.”
Ademola Lookman, when asked about the most significant moment in his professional career so far, said: “I definitely have to say getting called up to the Super Eagles, this is a highlight, major highlight.”
Meanwhile, Lookman scored his maiden international goal as Nigeria recorded the biggest win in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying in the country’s history.
The winger, who spent last season on loan at Leicester City and is expected to move this summer, scored the Super Eagles’ seventh goal in a 10-0 defeat of Sao Tome and Principe. The result breaks Nigeria’s previous record of a 10-1 victory over Benin in 1959.
Nigeria led 3-0 at halftime, but scored five goals in the first 20 minutes of the second half to put themselves up for the record, which was sealed by Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis’ injury-time penalty.
Lookman also set up the second of four goals for striker Victor Osimhen, who scored twice for Napoli against City in the Europa League last season.
There were no permanent City players in the Nigerian squad due to Wilfred Ndidi’s injury and Kelechi Iheanacho’s absence, but Lookman might change that this summer. There was a £14 million option to purchase him out of his loan deal, which City is considering, but it appears they are prioritising other acquisitions.
Lookman is expected to compete for a starting spot on City’s left wing with Harvey Barnes, with the club also seeking to bring in a player to play on the right side. Lookman scored eight goals and provided five assists during his time at the King Power Stadium.