2024 CAF Awards: Ademola Lookman rules Africa

Posted : 18 December 2024

A Nigerian player will once again reign over the African continent as Ademola Lookman, on Monday night, began his tenure as the "African Player of the Year," succeeding his former teammate and Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, who won the title in 2023.

The Napoli FC of Italy star, Ademola Lookman, made history as the first Black player to score a hat-trick in a European club football final. Following his heroic performances in the UEFA Europa Cup, Lookman was crowned African Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night. This achievement comes less than 33 months after he earned his first cap for Nigeria at the international level.

Watch NPFL Matches LIVE: https://www.africasport.net/livetv/nigeria

The 27-year-old had previously won the FIFA U17 World Cup with England before committing his international future to Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to a runner-up finish at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year.

Lookman was also instrumental in Atalanta FC's UEFA Europa Cup triumph last season. This year, he has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the Italian club in 18 games across all competitions.

His achievement was the highlight of a successful night for Nigeria at the CAF Awards, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retaining the Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons once again clinching the Women’s National Team of the Year title, replicating their feat from last year.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON, and Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, OFR, were among the distinguished guests at the Palais des Congrès. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe presented the prestigious award to an elated Lookman.

Pinnick, who had worked tirelessly to secure Lookman’s commitment to representing Nigeria, was particularly jubilant. His efforts bore fruit when Lookman made his debut for Nigeria in the first leg of the 2022 FIFA World Cup final playoff against Ghana's Black Stars in Kumasi on March 25, 2022, which ended in a goalless draw.

Gusau, who accepted the Women’s National Team of the Year award on behalf of the Super Falcons, dedicated the honor to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and pledged continued support for women's football under his administration.

Nigeria’s five-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist, Mary Onyali, former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins, and 1996 Olympic women’s long jump gold medalist Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah were among the notable figures who presented awards during the event.

Four Super Falcons players—Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Asisat Oshoala—were named in the CAF Best 11 Women for 2024. On the men’s side, last year’s winner Victor Osimhen and the newly crowned King, Ademola Lookman, were included in the CAF Best 11 Men roster.

2024 CAF Awards: Ademola Lookman rules Africa

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics