Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, cementing his status as one of the continent’s finest players.
The announcement was made during a glittering awards ceremony at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night.
The 27-year-old Atalanta forward edged out a formidable field of nominees, including Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns).
His triumph adds another chapter to Nigeria’s storied history in the awards, making him the sixth Super Eagle to claim the honor.
A Star Among Legends
Lookman’s achievement sees him join a distinguished list of Nigerian legends who have previously won the prestigious award.
His predecessors include Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023).
His victory marks Nigeria’s sixth win in the award’s history, reaffirming the country’s prominence in African football.
Lookman succeeds his compatriot Victor Osimhen, the 2023 recipient, continuing Nigeria’s dominance on the continental stage.
Exceptional Club and Country Form
Lookman’s remarkable form in 2024 made him a standout candidate for the award. His performances for Atalanta have been nothing short of stellar.
A particular highlight came in the UEFA Europa League final, where Lookman delivered a sensational hat-trick, securing the trophy for the Italian side and solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards.
On the international stage, Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Despite the Super Eagles finishing as runners-up, his three goals during the tournament were crucial to their success and underscored his importance to the team.
Consistency in the Current Season
The Nigerian star has continued his scintillating form this season, recording 11 goals and five assists in just 18 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta.
One of his standout moments came in a UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid, where he scored a crucial goal against the record 14-time champions, further demonstrating his ability to shine on the biggest stage.
A Celebration of African Excellence
Speaking after receiving the award, Lookman expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the achievement to his teammates, coaches, and fans.
“This is a dream come true,” he said. “I’m honored to represent my country and continent on this stage. This award is not just for me but for everyone who has supported me on this journey.”
The CAF African Footballer of the Year award is a celebration of excellence and impact in football, both on and off the pitch. Lookman’s stellar performances, combined with his leadership and influence, exemplify the qualities celebrated by this accolade.
As Lookman takes his place among Africa’s footballing greats, his victory signals a bright future for Nigerian and African football, with fans eagerly anticipating more outstanding performances from the talented forward.
