Ademola Lookman
Nigeria’s forward, Ademola Lookman won the CAF African Player of the Year for the first time ever in the Moroccan city of Marrakech, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who was the recipient of the award last year, Nation Sports reports.
Lookman has been consistent for both club and country in the year under review.
The 27-year-old who was the only African nominated for the Ballon D’Or becomes the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious award after Emmanuel Amuneke, Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu (twice), Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.
His remarkable journey in 2024 saw him fend off stiff competition from Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivorian Simon Adingra, and Ronwen Williams from South Africa.
The Atalanta winger was the favourites for the award after his hat trick fired Atalanta to the Europa League title (their first major honour since 1963), defeating Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to end Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten streak in the process in Dublin last May.
The Super Eagles winger was also Nigeria’s key creative force at the African Cup of Nations Cup in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year, where he scored three goals and made two assists in the seven games he played, inspiring the three-time African champions to an unexpected final where they lost 2-1 to the hosts.
He was also named in CAF 2024 FIFPro Men’s Best XI alongside his compatriot Victor Osimhen. The duo joins a strong attack that also has Egypt and Liverpool striker Mo Salah.
In another development, Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie, retained the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award she first won the prize last year.
Her heroics in goal ensured the Falcons returned to the Olympics after a 16-year absence, and also her French club, Paris FC, featured in the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Super Falcons also won the prestigious Women’s National Team of the Year award.
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