Ademola Lookman and other Nigerians who have won the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award
In this article, SportsRation takes a look at Ademola Lookman and other Nigerians who have won the CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
On Monday night, Ademola Lookman emerged as the winner for 2024, beating out Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who were also nominated for the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old had an exceptional year, contributing immensely both for his club and country. Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s strong performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles reached the final, with Lookman scoring three goals and providing one assist in seven matches. His efforts helped Nigeria secure an unbeaten run before their loss to Côte d’Ivoire in the final.
Following that, Lookman made history with Atalanta, leading the Italian club to their first-ever UEFA Europa League title. He scored a remarkable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first African player to net three goals in a European final. Lookman has continued to shine in the 2024-25 season, playing a crucial role in Atalanta’s surprising rise to the top of Serie A.
Lookman’s win marks the sixth time a Nigerian player has been named CAF African Player of the Year, joining the ranks of legends like Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen.
Here’s a look at other Nigerians who have won the prestigious award:
Rashidi Yekini – 1993
Rashidi Yekini made history as the first Nigerian to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 1993. Yekini’s goal-scoring prowess was on full display during the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was the tournament’s top scorer, helping Nigeria win a bronze medal. His remarkable form continued in Portugal with Vitória Setúbal, where he scored 30 goals in the 1992/93 season, earning him the award.
Emmanuel Amuneke – 1994
A year after Yekini’s victory, Emmanuel Amuneke secured the 1994 CAF African Footballer of the Year award. Amuneke’s performances helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring two crucial goals in the final against Zambia. He was also a standout at the 1994 World Cup, further showcasing his quality. Amuneke’s contribution to Nigeria’s success made him a deserving winner of the award.
Victor Ikpeba – 1997
Victor Ikpeba won the award in 1997 after an exceptional season with AS Monaco. The striker scored 26 goals across all competitions, helping Monaco secure a league and cup double. Ikpeba also impressed in the UEFA Cup, where he finished as the second-highest scorer, earning the CAF award ahead of his teammates and other strong contenders.
Nwankwo Kanu – 1996, 1999
Nwankwo Kanu remains the only Nigerian to win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award twice. His first win came in 1996 after leading Nigeria to Olympic gold in Atlanta, where he scored crucial goals, including two against Brazil in the semi-finals. Kanu’s second win came in 1999 after his stellar performances with Arsenal in the English Premier League, despite battling a heart condition.
Victor Osimhen – 2023
Victor Osimhen ended a 24-year drought for Nigeria when he won the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 2023. Osimhen’s remarkable performances for Napoli, where he scored 26 goals and helped the club secure their first Serie A title in 33 years, earned him the honor. Osimhen’s success on the club level was also recognized internationally, as he finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings and was nominated for FIFA’s The Best awards.
Ademola Lookman’s 2024 win joins a proud tradition of Nigerian players being recognized as Africa’s best. As he continues to shine, Lookman follows in the footsteps of these footballing legends who have helped put Nigeria on the map as a football powerhouse.
