Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman was crowned African Footballer of the Year at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.
A Stellar Year for Lookman
- Club Success: Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta lift the Europa League trophy against Bayer Leverkusen in May.
- International Glory: He played a crucial role in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in Ivory Coast, netting three goals during the tournament.
- Serie A Performance: After scoring 17 goals last season, he has already tallied 11 this campaign for Atalanta.
In his acceptance speech, Ademola Lookman reflected on his journey:
“Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
Lookman becomes the seventh Nigerian to win the award, following legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen (2023 winner).
Other 2024 CAF Award Winners
Men’s Categories
- Club Player & Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA, Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)
- Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)
- National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast
- Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)
Women’s Categories
- Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)
- Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)
- Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)
- National Team of the Year: Nigeria
- Club of the Year: TP Mazembe
Best XI Teams
Men’s Best XI
- Goalkeeper: Andre Onana (CMR)
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD)
- Midfielders: Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI)
- Forwards: Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen (NGR), Ademola Lookman (NGR)
Women’s Best XI
- Goalkeeper: Andile Dlamini (RSA)
- Defenders: Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini (RSA)
- Midfielders: Linda Motlhalo (RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR)
- Forwards: Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)
This year’s CAF Awards celebrated excellence across African football, with Nigeria’s dominance shining in both men’s and women’s categories.