Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman on Monday won the CAF African Player of the Year for the first time ever in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who was the recipient of the award last year.
Lookman has been consistent for both club and country in the year under review.
The 27-year-old who was the only African nominated for the 2024 Ballon D’Or, becomes the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious award after Emmanuel Amuneke, Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu (twice), Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.
His remarkable journey in 2024 saw him fend off stiff competition from Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and Ronwen Williams from South Africa.
The Atalanta winger won the coveted prize after his hat trick fired La Dea to the Europa League title (their first major honour since 1963), defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to end Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak in the process in Dublin last May.
His hat-trick heroics in the Europa League final were also the fastest within 26 minutes and saw Lookman become the first African player to achieve the feat since 1975.
The Super Eagles winger was also Nigeria’s key creative force at the African Cup of Nations Cup in Ivory Coast earlier this year, where he scored three goals and made two assists in the seven games he played.
Lookman, who was Atalanta Player of The Season, made the Team of The Year for the Europa League and ended last season having 18 goal contributions for La Dea.
He has maintained that form so far this term, take Atalanta to first position in the Italian top tier, registering 11 goals and five assists combined in all competitions.
He was named in CAF 2024 FIFPro Men’s Best XI alongside his compatriot Victor Osimhen. The duo join a strong attack that also has Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah.
The CAF 2024 FIFPro Men’s Best XI also has Andre Onana in goal, with Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly and Chancel Mbemba completing the back three.
In midfield are Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Ambrabat, Frank Kessie, and Bissouma.
Also on the night, Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie, retained the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award she first won the prize last year.
Her heroics in goal ensured the Falcons returned to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, and also her French club, Paris FC, featured in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Her exploits have already won her several top awards this year.
The Falcons also won the prestigious Women’s National Team of the Year award.
