Ademola Lookman wins 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award
Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, cementing his place as one of the finest players in African football.
The 27-year-old Nigerian forward, who plays for Atalanta, was recognised for his exceptional performances both for his club and the Super Eagles. Lookman’s consistency and ability to shine in crucial moments made him the standout choice for the prestigious award, which was announced tonight at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakesh.
Lookman’s Stellar Year
Lookman’s incredible year began with his key contributions to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in February. His three goals and two assists were pivotal in helping Nigeria reach the final, where they narrowly lost to Côte d’Ivoire. Despite the defeat, Lookman’s performances in the tournament showcased his skill and ability to perform on the biggest stages.
In addition to his AFCON exploits, Lookman’s club form has been nothing short of outstanding. Playing for Atalanta in Italy, Lookman helped secure a UEFA Europa League title, scoring a brilliant hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This stunning achievement added to his already impressive season, where he has scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a memorable goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Comparison with Other Nominees
The competition for the title was fierce, with Achraf Hakimi of PSG, Simon Adingra of Côte d’Ivoire, Serhou Guirassy of Guinea, and Ronwen Williams of South Africa also nominated. However, the NFF argued that none of these players had the same level of impact as Lookman this year.
While Hakimi is a key player for Morocco and PSG, Lookman’s club and international performances have been more impressive. Simon Adingra may have had a strong second half in the AFCON final, but his club form with Brighton was not as consistent as Lookman’s at Atalanta. Serhou Guirassy scored some memorable goals in AFCON qualifiers, but his failure to lead Guinea to the finals and limited impact at Borussia Dortmund left him behind in the race. Meanwhile, Ronwen Williams has been solid for South Africa, but his performances were better suited for the Goalkeeper of the Year category rather than the top player award.
A Historic Win for Nigeria
Lookman’s victory marks another milestone for Nigerian football, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023. Nigeria has a rich history of producing African football legends, with previous winners of the Men’s Player of the Year including Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Ikpeba. Lookman’s win ensures that Nigeria remains a dominant force in African football, continuing the legacy of excellence.
Conclusion
Ademola Lookman’s remarkable year, highlighted by his contributions to both Atalanta and the Super Eagles, has earned him the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award. His key performances in major tournaments, his consistency throughout the season, and his ability to deliver when it matters most made him the deserving winner of Africa’s top football honour.
