Former Super Eagles captain and Nigerian football icon, Sunday Oliseh, has lavished praise on Ademola Lookman following his blockbuster move to Atletico Madrid, declaring that the decision may have “saved Nigerian football” at a time when elite standards are under threat.
Lookman’s transfer to the Spanish giants has ignited intense debate across the football world, but Oliseh’s reaction has carried particular weight amid growing concerns that Nigeria’s top talents are drifting toward less competitive leagues at the peak of their careers. For Oliseh, Lookman’s choice represents a decisive break from what he described as creeping mediocrity.
Reacting to the move, Oliseh did not mince words. “Ademola Lookman’s transfer to Atletico Madrid might just have saved Nigerian football,” he said, framing the decision as a powerful statement about ambition, professionalism, and long-term growth at the highest level of the game.
Atletico Madrid officially unveiled the 28-year-old forward on February 2 after completing a €40 million transfer from Atalanta. Lookman signed a four-and-a-half-year deal that will keep him at the Metropolitano Stadium until 2030, placing him firmly among Europe’s elite attackers.
The move came despite strong interest from the Turkish Super Lig, where Lookman had the option of joining fellow Nigerian internationals Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu. Instead, he opted for La Liga, a decision widely praised as a bold declaration of intent and a reminder of where Nigerian footballers believe they belong.
For Oliseh and many observers, choosing a top European league over a less demanding alternative sends a clear message to the next generation of Super Eagles stars about standards, legacy, and the importance of competing at the highest level.
Atletico Madrid moved swiftly to integrate Lookman into Diego Simeone’s squad as the club braced for a demanding run of fixtures. In announcing the signing, the Spanish side highlighted his versatility, pace, and dribbling ability, noting his effectiveness as a second striker or on either flank.
Read also:
- Atletico Madrid boosted by new signings, as Gallagher, Alvarez shine in LaLiga Victory
- M’United target Todibo happy at Nice
- Bayern Munich face key challenge as Sacha Boey ruled out ahead of Champions League opener against Dinamo Zagreb
Lookman is expected to make his debut in Atletico’s upcoming Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis. With Simeone’s side currently nine points behind Barcelona and eight adrift of Real Madrid, the Nigerian forward is being tipped to add cutting edge and goals as Atletico chase silverware.
Already, early comparisons have been drawn between Lookman and some of La Liga’s most feared attackers, including Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe. For Nigerian football, however, the message from Oliseh is unmistakable: seeing a Super Eagles star test himself and thrive on Europe’s biggest stage restores belief, visibility, and pride where it matters most.
