By Abigail Philip David
Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman has been named the **2024 CAF African Player of the Year** at a prestigious ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco. The annual Confederation of African Football Awards celebrated the continent’s top football talents in a dazzling event.
The Atalanta forward had an extraordinary year, showcasing his exceptional skill, blistering speed, and clinical finishing. Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s impressive Serie A campaign and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His standout moments included a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, where Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, ending the Bundesliga champions’ remarkable 51-match unbeaten streak. Lookman also ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest stars in African football.
Lookman edged out top contenders, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, to clinch the coveted award.
Speaking at the event, Lookman dedicated the honor to his teammates, family, and fans, saying, “This award is for everyone who believed in me and supported me throughout my career.”
Other Winners at the 2024 CAF Awards
– 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 Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
– 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: Cristóvão Mabulu (Angola)
The 2024 CAF Awards showcased the incredible talent and achievements of African football, with Lookman’s victory marking a proud moment for Nigeria and the continent.
