Quote from Alex bobby on December 17, 2024, 5:46 AM

Ademola Lookman Shines as CAF Player of the Year at 2024 CAF Awards

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been crowned the CAF Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. Lookman’s win makes him the seventh Nigerian to clinch the award, further solidifying Nigeria’s dominance in African football.

The night was even more special for Nigerian football as the Super Falcons retained their Women’s National Team of the Year title, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie successfully defended her Goalkeeper of the Year award, showcasing the strength and resilience of Nigeria’s football teams.

Lookman Joins the Hall of Nigerian Greats

Ademola Lookman’s rise to becoming Africa’s best footballer has been nothing short of remarkable. The Atalanta striker’s exceptional performances this year played a major role in both club and country achievements:

AFCON Heroics: Lookman was instrumental as Nigeria reached its eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February, scoring three goals and providing two assists throughout the tournament. Though Nigeria fell short in the final against Ivory Coast, Lookman’s contribution was pivotal in their strong campaign.

1. European Glory: Lookman etched his name in European history by scoring a sensational hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final in May. This performance was one of the highlights of the football calendar, as Atalanta lifted their first-ever major European trophy.
2. Consistent Club Form: Lookman has carried his fine form into the current season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in just 18 appearances across all competitions. His standout moment included a stunning goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, further proving his worth on Europe’s biggest stage.

Lookman’s triumph marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has won the CAF Player of the Year award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023. Nigeria now boasts seven titles in the prestigious category, surpassing Ivory Coast. Lookman joins a legendary list of Nigerian football greats, including Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke(1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Osimhen.

Nnadozie’s Goalkeeping Excellence Recognized Again

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie added yet another accolade to her impressive career by winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year. Nnadozie’s stellar performances for both club and country have been undeniable:

Olympic Qualification: Nnadozie played a crucial role in helping Nigeria secure qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in 16 years.

• Paris FC Success: As a key player for her club, Paris FC, Nnadozie has consistently delivered commanding performances in the French league and European competitions.

Despite missing out on the Women’s Player of the Year award, which went to Zambia’s Barbara Banda, Nnadozie remains Africa’s most outstanding goalkeeper. She beat strong competition from South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi to retain her crown.

Super Falcons Cement Their Status as Africa’s Best

The Super Falcons once again reaffirmed their dominance in women’s football by winning the Women’s National Team of the Year award. The team’s impressive performances throughout the year have kept them at the top of the FIFA rankings as Africa’s highest-ranked side. Nigerian Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau, who received the award on behalf of the team, dedicated it to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.

While the Super Falcons celebrated their win, the Super Eagles narrowly missed out on the Men’s National Team of the Year award, which went to Ivory Coast following their AFCON triumph. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana was also in contention for the prize.

Other Winners at the 2024 CAF Awards

The night featured other notable achievements across African football:

• Men’s Club of the Year: Egypt’s Al Ahly claimed the title after another dominant year in African club football.
• Women’s Club of the Year: DR Congo’s TP Mazembe edged Nigeria’s Edo Queens to win the crown.
• Men’s Young Player of the Year: Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the title.
• Women’s Young Player of the Year: Egypt’s Doha El Madani won, with Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu as one of the finalists.
• Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: South Africa’s Ronwen Williams won his category while also bagging the Interclub Player of the Year award.
• Goal of the Year: Angola’s Cristovao Mabululu received the honor for his stunning strike.
• Men’s Coach of the Year: Ivory Coast’s Emerse Fae was recognized for leading the Elephants to AFCON glory.
• Women’s Coach of the Year: TP Mazembe’s Lamia Boumehdi was honored for her team’s success.
• Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy took the award.

Nigeria’s Continued Legacy in African Football

Ademola Lookman’s CAF Player of the Year award, alongside Nnadozie’s Goalkeeper of the Year title and the Super Falcons’ recognition, highlights Nigeria’s ever-growing influence in African football. Lookman’s achievement is a testament to his perseverance, hard work, and talent, while Nnadozie and the Super Falcons continue to shine as role models for women’s football across the continent.

With such a remarkable year for Nigerian football, the future looks bright as the nation continues to produce top-class talent capable of dominating both African and global football.