Ademola Lookman Crowned CAF Player of the Year 2024

The 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards illuminated the remarkable achievements of African football on Monday, with Ademola Lookman emerging as the standout performer of the evening.

The 27-year-old Atalanta winger claimed the Men’s Player of the Year award. Lookman’s exceptional year was defined by a series of outstanding achievements that distinguished him from his competitors.

His triumph with Italian side Atalanta was particularly noteworthy. Lookman played a major role in the team’s Europa League victory, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Leverkusen. This performance was just one highlight in an extraordinary year that saw him deliver an impressive 18 goals and assists in Serie A last season, and maintain a similar momentum with 16 goals and assists in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League this season.

Lookman’s international performances with the Super Eagles were equally compelling, including crucial goals in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Last 16 and quarterfinal matches. His selection ahead of formidable competitors like Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams highlighted the depth of his impact.

The award carries special significance for Nigerian football, as Lookman follows Victor Osimhen’s 2023 victory. This represents the first time Nigeria has had consecutive winners of the Men’s Player of the Year since Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba won the award in 1996 and 1997, respectively – a gap of nearly three decades.

In the women’s category, Chiamaka Nnadozie continued Nigeria’s winning streak, securing the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The 24-year-old Paris FC goalkeeper was recognized for her exceptional performances at both club and international levels, including her representation of Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games.

The Super Falcons further solidified their dominance by being named the Women’s Team of the Year for the second consecutive time. NFF President Ibrahim Gusuau accepted the award, attributing the success to consistent efforts in developing women’s football in the country.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda emerged as another highlight of the evening, winning the Women’s Player of the Year award. Her extraordinary achievements include helping Orlando Pride win both the NWSL Shield and Championship, scoring the decisive goal in the final. Banda also set a historic record by scoring her third hat-trick in Olympic Games football, becoming the first player to achieve this feat. Her groundbreaking year was further cemented by becoming the first African player included in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11.