Ademola Lookman Clinches CAF African Player of the Year Award, Boosting Nigeria’s Football Glory

Ademola Lookman has made history by winning the coveted CAF African Player of the Year award at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. This remarkable achievement places him among Nigeria’s football elite, becoming the seventh Nigerian player to earn this prestigious honor. He follows in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year.

Lookman’s stellar performances in the past year were a key factor in his triumph. His three goals and two assists in Nigeria’s impressive journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final showcased his talent on the continental stage. Notably, his unforgettable hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen further solidified his place as one of Africa’s top footballers. His form has been electric this season, with 11 goals and five assists in just 18 appearances, including a spectacular goal against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

While there was fierce competition, with players like Simon Adingra of Ivory Coast, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi also in the running, Lookman’s consistency and game-changing performances earned him the crown. His victory also adds to Nigeria’s impressive record, marking the seventh time a Nigerian player has won the award, surpassing Ivory Coast’s six wins.

In other notable news from the CAF Awards, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched her second consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Super Falcons also retained the title of Women’s National Team of the Year, further cementing their dominance in African women’s football. Although Nnadozie missed out on the Women’s Player of the Year award to Zambia’s Barbara Banda, her exceptional achievements—like helping Nigeria secure a spot in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence—did not go unnoticed.

While the Super Eagles missed out on the Men’s Team of the Year award to Ivory Coast, who were crowned AFCON champions, Nigeria’s footballing prowess continues to shine. Other notable winners included Lamine Camara, who held onto the Men’s Young Player of the Year title, and Cristovao Mabululu, who won the Goal of the Year award.

This year’s CAF Awards once again highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in African football, celebrating the country’s outstanding talents and achievements across both men’s and women’s categories.