Coach Ezindu Okay-Lawrence, known as the Officer-Coach of FJ Football Academy in Akure, has praised FIFA for providing Ademola Lookman with the opportunity to be recognized as the African Footballer of the Year for 2024.
In a media interview following the awards ceremony held in Morocco, Coach Okay-Lawrence expressed his gratitude to FIFA’s policymakers for their visionary regulations that allow players to change their national allegiance even after representing another country at youth levels.
“I am thrilled for the young player; his success serves as a powerful example to aspiring footballers that with the right decisions and guidance, they can reach great heights. My deepest gratitude goes to the policymakers at FIFA, who I hope will see this message, for wisely allowing players the opportunity to change their national allegiance based on their beliefs, even after representing other countries at earlier stages. Just think about the implications if this opportunity did not exist—look at the joy and pride we experience as Nigerians and Africans, Coach Law stated.
“This is truly appropriate. While the young man has certainly excelled over the past year, it is important to recognize that without FIFA’s flexibility, he would not have achieved this remarkable podium finish or made history. This is why I commend FIFA.”
Ademola Lookman was honored as the African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards held last night in Marrakech, Morocco. The event was graced by notable figures, including the FIFA President, the CAF President, executive members of CAF, and various football dignitaries from around the globe.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ademola Lookman and the Nigerian community for this remarkable achievement, which highlights the success of their players and national teams.
