Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles star and Atalanta forward, has been named the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
The announcement, made on Monday night, celebrates Lookman’s outstanding achievements over the past year.
He triumphed over fierce competitors, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.
Lookman’s stellar performances were highlighted by his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, making him the first player to achieve this feat in a Europa League final since 1975.
“Winning this award is a dream come true,” Lookman said, expressing gratitude for the recognition and the support he has received.
In addition to his European exploits, Lookman was pivotal in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where they narrowly lost to Ivory Coast. During the tournament, he scored three crucial goals.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Lookman delivered consistently, recording 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Atalanta. This season, his impressive form continues, with 11 goals in just 19 matches, keeping Atalanta at the top of Serie A.
Lookman’s growing stature in world football was also recognized at the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala, where he was ranked 14th among the best players globally.
The CAF Player of the Year award, one of the highest honors in African football, sees Lookman succeeding fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner. His victory underscores Nigeria’s footballing legacy on the continent.
Reflecting on his journey, Lookman remarked, “I am proud to represent Nigeria, and it motivates me to continue working hard.” His commitment to excellence, both on and off the pitch, has endeared him to fans worldwide.
As he celebrates this monumental achievement, the football world eagerly anticipates Lookman’s continued brilliance as he leads Atalanta toward domestic and European success.
