The former Premier League club will throw their doors open to host fans who want to watch the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 AFCON.
In a heartwarming gesture, Charlton Athletic Football Club has announced a special event that celebrates the achievements of two of its academy products, Ademola Lookman and Joe Aribo. .
Charlton will open its doors for a live screening of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Sunday night. This unique occasion is dedicated to honouring both academy graduates who have been integral to the Nigeria squad's journey to the final, where they will face off against Ivory Coast.
Aribo and Lookman making Charlton proud
Lookman and Aribo's both spent time at Charlton, developing into professionals with the help of the former Premier League regulars.
Lookman was on Charlton's books from 2013 to 2017 including two years at the club's academy, while Aribo spent four years between 2015 and 2019 at the Valley.
Both players have made significant strides in their careers since departing The Valley, with Lookman making waves in the Premier League and Aribo impressing in the Scottish Premiership before moving to Atalanta and Southampton respectively.
The pair have also become regulars for Nigeria's Super Eagles, and have helped the team reach its first AFCON final in a decade. Aribo has been a bit-part player, starting one match and making three substitute appearances, while Lookman has been one of the 2023 AFCON stars, scoring three goals to top the Super Eagles' scorers' chart.
Charlton invite fans to watch Lookman and Aribo
The decision to host a watch along for the AFCON final underscores the deep connection between the club and its graduates, celebrating their global achievements and the impact they continue to have beyond their time at Charlton.
The live screening event at The Valley offers Charlton fans a unique opportunity to gather in solidarity, cheering for Lookman, Aribo, and the Super Eagles as they vie for continental glory. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the global nature of football, where local academies can produce talents that shine on the world stage, bringing pride to their roots.
Charlton celebrate former players in heartwarming gesture
This celebration of international success at a local club level is a beautiful demonstration of football's unifying power, transcending borders and leagues to bring people together in support of shared heroes. As The Valley prepares to host this special watch along, Charlton Athletic not only pays tribute to its Nigerian stars but also reinforces the importance of club heritage in shaping the careers of footballers who dream of making it big on the international scene.
As fans gather under the lights of The Valley on Sunday night, the event will be more than just a watch party; it will be a celebration of journey, achievement, and the enduring bond between a club and its players, no matter where their careers may take them.
Comments