Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medalist Emmanuel Babayaro  has spoken about his admiration for Super Eagles star  Ademola Lookman, highlighting that his respect goes far beyond the forward's performances on the pitch.

Off the pitch, Lookman's attitude, discipline and professionalism have drawn praise from many who know him. 

His calm demeanour, respectful interactions with teammates and ability to handle pressure mark him as a player with maturity.

The Atlético Madrid dazzler is cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria's greatest forwards in history, having won the African Footballer of the Year award for 2024 and played pivotal roles as the Super Eagles secured silver and bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Babayaro emphasised the role of Lookman’s upbringing in shaping his character.

Speaking on ATHLST podcast, Babayaro stated: "Ademola Lookman is one young man I honestly admire. And it's not just about his playing; it’s about his comportment, and all these things sum up to one thing for me. They say charity begins at home.

"I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to the parents of Ademola Lookman because they did a great job with that young man. The Yoruba people are well known for respect and ethics, and his parents did a great job raising him."

Lookman has maintained a spotless disciplinary record throughout his professional career, playing 345 matches for Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City, Atalanta and Atlético Madrid without ever being sent off.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel