MARRAKECH, Morocco (CHATNEWSTV) — Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year at a glittering CAF Awards ceremony Monday night in Marrakech, cementing his place among the continent’s football greats.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive this award,” Lookman said. “This year has been a dream come true for me, both for my club and country.”
Lookman’s stellar 2024 season featured milestone achievements. He propelled Atalanta to their first major trophy in 61 years with a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen and played a key role in their Serie A title challenge.
On the international stage, Lookman shone at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and leading Nigeria to a second-place finish. His exceptional performances earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, the highest by a Nigerian in recent years.
“This is not just for me but for all Nigerians who continue to support and believe in our football,” Lookman said.
Lookman’s victory adds him to a storied list of Nigerian football legends who have won the CAF award, including Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen, the 2023 winner. Nigeria now ranks second in all-time Player of the Year wins, trailing only Ivory Coast.
“This back-to-back win for Nigeria shows our football is reaching new heights,” said Augustine Eguavoen, Nigeria’s football director.
