Nigerian and Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A forward, Ademola Lookman, has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The award was presented during a ceremony in Marrakesh, Morocco, recognizing Lookman’s outstanding contributions to his club and the Nigerian national team over the past year.
Club Achievements with Atalanta: Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s successful 2023-2024 season. His remarkable performance in the UEFA Europa League was highlighted by a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing a 3-0 victory and marking Atalanta’s first major European trophy.
In Serie A, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s impressive league campaign. He scored 17 goals in the 2023-2024 season and has continued his excellent form into the current season, netting 11 goals so far. His consistent scoring has been crucial in maintaining Atalanta’s competitive position in the league.
International Impact with Nigeria: On the international stage, Lookman significantly contributed to Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. He scored three goals during the tournament, demonstrating his importance to the national team’s attacking prowess. Although Nigeria ultimately fell to the host nation, Ivory Coast, with a 2-1 loss in the final, Lookman’s performances were a highlight of the tournament.
Recognition and Legacy: This accolade makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian to receive the African Footballer of the Year award, joining the ranks of legends such as Nwankwo Kanu and Emmanuel Amunike. He succeeds his compatriot, Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023, underscoring Nigeria’s continued prominence in African football.
Expressing his gratitude, Lookman stated, “This is a proud moment for me, and I hope it serves as an inspiration to many. Despite the challenges and setbacks, perseverance and hard work can lead to great achievements.”
Other Notable Awards
The CAF Awards ceremony also honored other outstanding talents:
Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda of Zambia was recognized for her exceptional performances with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé received accolades for his managerial success.
Goal of the Year: Mabululu was recognized for scoring the most outstanding goal.
Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara was celebrated as the best young male talent.
Ademola Lookman’s recognition as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year underscores his significant contributions to both club and country. His achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring footballers across the continent, exemplifying the rewards of dedication and excellence in the sport.
