Ademola Lookman, the Nigerian winger, was crowned the 2024 CAF Footballer of the Year at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night. The Atalanta star won the prestigious award, surpassing other nominees, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy.
Lookman takes over from Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year. The 27-year-old’s career took a significant turn after joining Atalanta in 2022, following a series of moves across Premier League clubs like Everton, RB Leipzig, and Fulham. His performances with Atalanta, along with his influential role in Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where they finished as runners-up, were key to his rise.
In the 2023 AFCON, Lookman contributed with three goals and one assist, and he also scored a hat-trick for Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final. His total contributions for Atalanta last season saw him directly involved in 18 top-flight goals.
Reflecting on his achievement, Lookman dedicated the award to his family, Nigeria, and aspiring young athletes, encouraging them to turn challenges into motivation. Isa Saleh, co-founder of the Borno Junior League, praised Lookman’s success and hoped the award would further motivate him for continued excellence with both his club and the national team.
Looking ahead, Saleh mentioned Mohamed Salah as a strong contender for next year’s award, while also noting that Nigerian players, including Osimhen, are still in the running for future honors.
