Now a assured starter for each membership and nation, he performed a pivotal function in Nigeria’s run to the general of the 2023 Africa Cup of Countries at the beginning of this presen.

Lookman scored each targets within the last-16 victory over Cameroon and next the winner in opposition to Angola within the quarter-finals.

Nigeria completed as runners-up however the ahead may just console himself with a playground within the staff of the event.

Tremendous Eagles team-mate Alex Iwobi says Lookman is a “great talent” – and person who merits his African participant of the presen award.

“The rise that we’ve seen, we’re not surprised,” Iwobi advised Newsday at the BBC Global Provider.

“He’s so effective. [To] see what he’s doing motivates everyone in the team.

“If my brother is operating juiceless, we need to paintings as juiceless as him and even tougher.”

Lookman was the only African on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, ultimately finishing 14th in the race to be named the world’s best player.

Ahead of the awards, BBC Sport Africa asked him to reflect on his progress over the past 12 months.

“It’s been defining when it comes to steps taken, however that is just the beginning of optimistically one thing very particular,” he replied.

With Atalanta leading Serie A and chasing their first top-flight title, Lookman’s powers continue to grow.

For Africa’s easiest participant, the ache of his early days within the Premier League without a doubt seems to be lengthy forgotten.