Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been awarded the prestigious 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year title, following an outstanding performance that helped Atalanta win the Europa League. The announcement came on Monday evening in Marrakech, Morocco, where the best of African football gathered to honor their top talents.
Lookman’s triumph in this year’s awards marks another significant milestone in his career, as the 2024 accolade comes after a memorable season with Atalanta. The Nigerian international was instrumental in his club’s Europa League victory, scoring a sensational hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His performance in the competition made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents, and the hat-trick capped a remarkable journey to European glory.
It was a fiercely contested race for the CAF Footballer of the Year award, with five finalists battling for the honor. Lookman’s victory over these strong competitors underscores his exceptional form and influence on both the continental and international stage. His achievement is also a significant boost for Nigerian football, marking the second consecutive year that a Nigerian player has claimed the top CAF award. Last year, Victor Osimhen took home the honor.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) was quick to congratulate Lookman, as well as other Nigerian achievers at the 2024 CAF Awards. In addition to Lookman’s success, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Super Falcons were also celebrated for their excellence. Nnadozie won the coveted Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second year running, while the Super Falcons were named Women’s National Team of the Year, reinforcing Nigeria's dominance in women’s football on the continent.
NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed his pride in Nigeria’s footballing achievements. “These awards highlight the incredible talent and hard work of our players and teams,” he said. “It’s an exciting time for Nigerian sports, and these accolades will inspire us to aim even higher, as we strive to reach the pinnacle of success in world football.”
Lookman’s win comes after an impressive year where he not only helped guide the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but also played a crucial role in Atalanta’s continental success. Despite a heartbreaking loss to Côte d'Ivoire in the AFCON final, Lookman’s contributions on the international stage were widely praised. His resilience and determination were evident as he transitioned seamlessly into club football, finishing the season as one of the standout players in Europe’s top leagues.
Meanwhile, Nnadozie’s second consecutive win as CAF Goalkeeper of the Year solidifies her status as one of the best in women’s football. She helped the Super Falcons secure another year of dominance, keeping 10 clean sheets across 28 matches and playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s continued success on the international scene.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were also recognized as the Women’s National Team of the Year, further cementing the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football. The team’s consistency and excellence have made them a fixture in global women’s football, and their success in the CAF Awards is a testament to their hard work and unity.
At the same time, the CAF Best XI lineup featured several Nigerian stars, including Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the Men’s Best XI, while the Women’s Best XI included Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Michelle Alozie, underscoring Nigeria’s strong presence in African football.
As Nigerian football continues to make strides on the international stage, Lookman’s recognition is just one example of the country’s growing prominence in the global game. With a bright future ahead, the continued success of Nigeria’s footballing talents promises to keep the country at the forefront of African and world football for years to come.
