2024 African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has made an astonishing revelation about how African food helped improve his stamina in football
2024 African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has made an astonishing revelation about how African food helped improve his stamina in football.
Born to Nigerian parents in the United Kingdom, the fantastic forward had a difficult start to his football career after being identified as one of the most talented youngsters to watch out for in world football.
Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola, 27, in five years played for Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before in 2022 signed for Atalanta, where he blossomed and won the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.
In an interview, the Nigerian speedster revealed the reason why he has immense pace, a wonderful balance and an astonishing balance on the pitch.
“Growing up in the UK, I was used to eating a lot of junk food cos it’s something very handy without wasting your time.
“One day, my mum followed me to the pitch where I play soccer with other kids at the age of ten; she noticed how I easily fell down when being shoved by other kids when contesting for the ball.
After the match, she told me, “Ademola, my son, I am not impressed by the way you fall when playing football. You are a Nigerian child and you should have the stamina of a Nigerian”
“The next day, my mother introduced “Fufu” to my diet; at first, I didn’t like it because of the foul smell, but as I ate it with ewedu soup, I could see the results as my stamina increased.
Now I am here, how can I have made it this far without eating Fufu? I will always represent Nigeria”, said Lookman.
Fufu is a local dish many Nigerians love. Alongside ewedu soup, Nigerians believe it gives enough energy and builds you well, physically. Lookman has credited Fufu among many reasons for his recent success on the pitch.
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