Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, succeeding fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen while Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie clinched the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and Super Falcons Win National Team Of The Year At CAF Award.
Newsonspot reports that the announcements were made during the CAF Awards ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, 2024.
The 27-year-old Atalanta winger edged out strong contenders, including Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa), to claim the prestigious award.
Lookman had a stellar 2023-2024 season, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph. He made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in the final, where Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. Additionally, he was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, emerging as one of the tournament’s top scorers.
In the 2023-2024 season, Lookman recorded 17 goals and 10 assists for Atalanta, while his 2024 campaign already boasts 11 goals and 5 assists in 19 games across all competitions.
Reminiscing on his past struggles as a footballer, the 27-year-old advised young people never to allow their past failures define their future.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman recalled.
“I want to say to the young children and young people watching this ‘don’t let your failures weigh you down that they break your wings, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight and continue to fly’, God bless!”
Key Highlights of Ademola Lookman in
2024:
• Over 20 Man of the Match awards
• Reached the AFCON Final
• Scored a brace in the AFCON Round of 16
• Netted the winner in the AFCON Quarterfinals
• Named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament
• Scored a hat-trick in the Europa League Final
• Sole African nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or
Lookman’s achievements this year solidify his position as one of Africa’s footballing elites.
