Nigerian star Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards in Marrakesh.
The Atlanta forward won against Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Lookman, 27, was recognized for his outstanding performance in the past year, highlighting his significant contributions to African football. He is the second consecutive Nigerian to win the award after Victor Osimhen won in 2023.
In May, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta won Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.
Speaking at the event, Lookman reflected on his journey, including the challenges he faced following a missed penalty for Everton in November 2020. He said, “Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, and I’m the best player in African.”
“I want to say to the young children and people watching this: don’t let your failures weigh you down to the point they break your wings. Matter of fact, turn your pain into your power and continue to fight.”
He appreciated God, his president, all his teammates (both club and country) and everyone who ever supported him. “This award today is a blessing to me, my family, and my nation. To be recognized as the best player in Africa is something incredible, and I’m extremely proud,” he added.
Meanwhile, Orlando Pride striker, Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the Women’s Player of the Year. The 24-year-old’s 10 goals spread across two Games made her the leading African scorer in Olympic history.
Also at the awards, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie won Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and the Super Falcons won the Women’s National Team of the Year.
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