In a stunning display of talent, Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year, becoming the seventh Nigerian to receive the renowned accolade. The Atalanta striker achieved the notable feat during a star-studded ceremony in Morocco, following in the footsteps of his compatriot, Victor Osimhen.
Lookman’s remarkable season saw him score 22 goals, including a spectacular hat-trick in the Europa League final, which helped Atalanta win their first continental championship. His contributions were key in propelling Nigeria to the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final, cementing his status as a key player.
The current campaign is proving just as successful for Lookman, with eight goals already in the League, helping Atalanta climb to the top of Serie A. This prestigious award is testament to Lookman’s incredible achievements on both club and professional levels. international scene.
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Alongside Lookman, Nigeria’s women’s national team, the Super Falcons, received the Women’s National Team of the Year award after their remarkable performances, including at the Paris Olympics, where they were narrowly defeated by England in a tense penalty shootout.
In addition, Chiamaka Nnadozie managed to retain her title of Goalkeeper of the Year. In her acceptance speech, she expressed sincere gratitude to the CAF President, the Nigeria Football Federation and her club, Paris FC, for their unwavering support which propelled her career forward, also mentioning her father adopted, Kazeem Eletu.
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Nigeria showed their worth with four nominations in the CAF/FIFPro Best Women’s Team, showcasing the talents of Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade and Asisat Oshoala. Meanwhile, the men’s nominations highlighted the achievements of only Lookman and Osimhen.
To add to the grandeur of the event, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe presented the CAF President’s Excellence Award to the Egyptian Football Federation and President Cameroonian Paul Biya. Infantino also congratulated Morocco on being named co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, in partnership with Portugal and Spain. In the women’s Player of the Year category, Zambia’s Barbra Banda edged out Nnadozie to win the honour.
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