Ademola Lookman Wins 2024 CAF African Player of the Year

Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year during a glittering ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. The prestigious award celebrates Lookman’s outstanding year on the pitch and his contributions to both club and country.

The Atalanta forward played a pivotal role in his team’s success, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability. Lookman’s stellar performances in Serie A and his influence in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earned him widespread recognition.

In May, Lookman made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a remarkable 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and ending their unbeaten streak.

The Nigerian edged out stiff competition from players like Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to clinch the award.

Other Notable Winners:

• Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia)

• Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

• Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)

• Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco)

• Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly FC (Egypt)

• Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (Congo)

• Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

• Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco)

• Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)

• Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)

• Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

• Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola)

Speaking at the event, Lookman dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and the fans who stood by him throughout his career.

This achievement marks another major milestone for Nigerian football, reaffirming the country’s dominance in African football history.