Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s finest football talents. The 27-year-old clinched the prestigious award during a star-studded ceremony held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.
Lookman emerged victorious in a competitive field that included Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra of Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy from Guinea. His win continues Nigeria’s dominance of the award, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. Remarkably, this marks the first time in 27 years that Nigerian players have won the accolade in consecutive years. The last such feat was achieved by Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
A Remarkable Season for Club and Country
Ademola Lookman’s 2023/24 season was nothing short of extraordinary. For Atalanta, he netted 17 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions, spearheading the club’s impressive run in Serie A. His crowning moment came in the Europa League final, where he delivered a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, helping Atalanta secure their first-ever European title.
On the international stage, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. He scored three crucial goals, playing a key role in the Super Eagles’ journey to the final, where they secured a silver medal. His stellar performances earned him a spot in the tournament’s Best XI, alongside Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong.
A Bright Future Ahead
Lookman’s CAF Player of the Year win is a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work, and consistency. As he continues to shine for both club and country, the Super Eagles star is poised to inspire the next generation of African footballers.
Congratulations to Ademola Lookman on this well-deserved honor!
