Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been honored as the 2024 African Player of the Year at the prestigious CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. This recognition celebrates Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year, both for club and country.
Playing for Atalanta FC, Lookman dazzled fans with his pace, skill, and clinical finishing. He played a key role in Atalanta’s success in Serie A and was instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A Year of Records and Milestones
One of Lookman’s standout moments was his historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League Final, where Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending Leverkusen’s remarkable 51-match unbeaten run. Lookman also secured a place in football’s elite rankings, finishing 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
To clinch this prestigious title, Lookman overcame stiff competition from top African stars, including:
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG),
- Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast),
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), and
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa).
In his acceptance speech, Lookman expressed gratitude to his teammates, family, and loyal fans, dedicating the award to everyone who has supported him on his journey.
Other Award Winners at the 2024 CAF Awards
- Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia)
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco)
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly FC (Egypt)
- Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (Congo)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Cote d’Ivoire)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola)
This year’s CAF Awards reflect the continued rise of African football talent on the global stage, and Ademola Lookman’s triumph is another proud moment for Nigeria.
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