Ademola Lookman, a forward for the Super Eagles and Atalanta, has been awarded the CAF African Footballer of the Year for 2024. The 27-year-old received this esteemed recognition during an elegant ceremony on Monday at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Nigerian standout outperformed strong contenders including Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to secure this prestigious title.
Lookman’s achievement adds him to the esteemed group of Nigerian footballers who have previously won the award, aligning him with legends like Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023). His win is Nigeria’s sixth in the history of the award, succeeding Osimhen, the 2023 recipient.
The Atalanta player had an outstanding season with both his club and the national team. He notably scored a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final, solidifying his status as one of Europe’s top forwards. Internationally, he was instrumental in the Super Eagles’ runner-up finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring three goals in the tournament.
This season, Lookman continues to excel, boasting 11 goals and five assists in 18 matches across all competitions for Atalanta. His notable performances include a vital goal against renowned UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid, highlighting his ability to shine on the grandest stages.
