Super Eagles Forward Triumphs After Rapid Rise in International Football
Ademola Lookman, forward for Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Atalanta FC, has been named the Africa Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards held on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco. The 27-year-old earned the prestigious title in recognition of his outstanding performances both at the club and international level, marking a stunning rise in his career since making his first appearance for Nigeria less than 33 months ago.
From England’s U-17 World Cup Winner to Nigeria’s Star
Lookman’s journey to the top of African football has been nothing short of remarkable. After winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup with England in 2017, Lookman switched his allegiance to Nigeria, committing his international future to the Super Eagles. His dedication paid off earlier this year when he played a crucial role in helping Nigeria finish as runners-up at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Côte d’Ivoire.
Lookman’s individual form has been equally impressive. In addition to his international achievements, the forward played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s success in the 2023 UEFA Europa League, further cementing his status as one of the continent’s top talents. This season, Lookman has scored 11 goals and provided five assists for the Italian club in 18 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his consistency and attacking prowess.
Nigeria Dominates at the CAF Awards
Lookman’s triumph was part of a successful night for Nigerian football. Alongside him, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her title as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, and the Super Falcons were once again honored as the Women’s National Team of the Year, repeating their success from the previous year.
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The awards ceremony, held at the Palais des Congrés, was attended by high-profile figures such as Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Amaju Pinnick, Nigeria’s FIFA Council Member. Pinnick was particularly jubilant about Lookman’s win, reflecting on the challenges he faced in persuading the player to represent Nigeria before his eventual debut in March 2022, during a World Cup qualifier against Ghana in Kumasi.
Gusau, who collected the Women’s National Team of the Year award on behalf of the Super Falcons, dedicated the accolade to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. He emphasized the NFF’s commitment to continuing its support for women’s football in the country.
Super Falcons Shine at the CAF Awards
The Super Falcons also had a strong showing at the event. Four of the team’s stars—Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Asisat Oshoala—were named to the 2024 CAF Best 11 Women’s squad. The men’s team was also well-represented, with Lookman and 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen both included in the Best 11 Men’s roster.
Full List of 2024 CAF Award Winners
- Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
- Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Zambia)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe; Morocco)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanâa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco)
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR/Morocco)
- Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire
- Women’s National Team of the Year: Super Falcons of Nigeria
- Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
- Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Goal for Angola against Namibia)
- Best Referee (Women): Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
- Best Referee (Men): Elvis Guy Nguegoue (Cameroon)
Recognizing Football Excellence Across Africa
Among the many other highlights of the evening were the inclusion of several Super Falcons players in the CAF Best 11 Women, and the recognition of notable personalities such as Mary Onyali, Obafemi Martins, and Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah, who presented awards at the event.
In addition to the footballing awards, the Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Presidents Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt and Paul Biya of Cameroon for their contributions to African football.
Ademola Lookman’s victory is a testament to his remarkable progress since his switch to international football, and it places him firmly among the elite footballers in Africa. As Lookman continues to shine for Atalanta and the Super Eagles, his future looks even brighter, and his legacy in African football is already being written.
