Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional performances for both club and country over the past year. The Atalanta forward claimed the prestigious award during a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, edging out stiff competition from Brighton’s Simon Adingra, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.
Lookman’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular since he switched his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2022. His decision proved to be a masterstroke, as he played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and went on to become one of the standout players of the tournament. His performances were central to Nigeria’s progress, with Lookman scoring vital goals in the knockout stages, including a brace in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in the Round of 16 and a crucial strike in the 1-0 quarter-final victory over Angola. Lookman’s goals and his all-round performances saw Nigeria reach the semi-finals, where they triumphed over South Africa in a penalty shootout.
In the process, Lookman became only the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in a single AFCON knockout round, joining the esteemed company of Odion Ighalo, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, and the late Rashidi Yekini. His remarkable efforts were rewarded with a place in the official AFCON 2023 Team of the Tournament, further highlighting his impact on the competition. Beyond his international achievements, Lookman’s success at club level was equally remarkable. He was a key player for Atalanta in the 2023/24 season, helping the club secure its first-ever European trophy. Lookman delivered an unforgettable performance in the Europa League final, scoring a historic hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to seal Atalanta’s triumph.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the honor and thanked Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, his teammates, and all those who supported him on his journey. “To God be the glory, I am deeply honored,” Lookman said. “This is for Nigeria, for my teammates, for my family. You have all been incredible, and I dedicate this to you.” He also took the opportunity to inspire the next generation of African footballers, urging them to persevere in the face of challenges. “Don’t let your failures weigh you down. Turn your pains into wings and continue to fly,” he said.
Lookman’s victory is a well-deserved recognition of his talent, hard work, and resilience, and it firmly establishes him as one of the continent’s brightest footballing stars. With such a remarkable year behind him, fans can look forward to even more success from the 27-year-old as he continues to make his mark both at Atalanta and for the Super Eagles.
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