By Gideon Maxwell
December 16, 2024
Ademola Lookman, the 27-year-old Nigerian forward playing for Atalanta, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 CAF African Player of the Year at a ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.
This accolade marks Lookman’s emergence as one of Africa’s premier football talents, succeeding compatriot Victor Osimhen.
Lookman’s exceptional year was highlighted by his pivotal role in both club and international competitions.
He scored 22 goals for Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading his team to a 3-0 victory and securing their first major title in 61 years.
His performance in that match was particularly notable as he became the first player to achieve a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final.
In addition to his club success, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he netted three goals and provided two assists.
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Despite Nigeria’s loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the final, Lookman’s contributions earned him a spot on the Team of the Tournament.
Lookman’s remarkable consistency throughout the season included 11 goals and 5 assists across all competitions, showcasing his ability to perform at critical moments.
His impressive form has solidified his status as a key player for both Atalanta and the Super Eagles.
The competition for the award was fierce, with contenders including Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa). However, Lookman’s impact on both club and international stages set him apart from his peers.
During the award ceremony, Lookman expressed gratitude towards his teammates, family, and fans for their unwavering support throughout his career.
He emphasised that this achievement is a collective success rather than an individual one.
Lookman’s victory not only adds to Nigeria’s rich football legacy but also highlights the country’s continued prominence in African football.
He joins an elite group of Nigerian football legends who have previously won this award, including Rashidi Yekini and Nwankwo Kanu.
As he continues to pursue excellence on both domestic and international fronts, Lookman’s future looks promising as he aims to build on this success in the upcoming seasons.
