Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, marking a historic moment in his career and cementing Nigeria’s dominance in African football.
The Atalanta forward was honored with the prestigious award during a grand ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night.
His victory ensures that the title remains in Nigeria, following his compatriot Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023.
The Super Eagles star emerged victorious after beating strong competition from an impressive lineup of finalists, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Lookman’s remarkable performances over the past year, both for his club and country, were instrumental in his triumph. He played a key role in Atalanta’s success in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League, consistently delivering stellar performances and scoring crucial goals.
For Nigeria, Lookman has been a standout player, helping the Super Eagles secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and contributing to their strong performances in international friendlies and qualifiers. His pace, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most feared forwards on the continent.
During his acceptance speech, Lookman expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and fans, describing the honor as “incredible” and a testament to hard work and dedication.
“This is a moment I will cherish forever,” he said. “I am extremely proud to receive this award, and I dedicate it to everyone who has supported me throughout my journey.”
Lookman’s victory highlights the resurgence of Nigerian football on the continental stage, with several of the nation’s players and teams receiving recognition at the 2024 CAF Awards.
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retained the CAF Best Women’s Goalkeeper Award, while the Super Falcons clinched the Women’s National Team of the Year title.
With this accolade, Lookman joins the ranks of Nigerian football legends such as Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Victor Osimhen, who have also claimed the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award. His achievement is expected to inspire the next generation of football talent in Nigeria and across Africa.
