Breaking: Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman Crowned African Footballer of the Year 2024

Super Eagles and Atlanta attacker Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year. 

Ademola Lookman, 27 years old, earned the prestigious prize at a magnificent ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

The Nigerian star overcame difficult competition from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to earn the prestigious championship.

Ademola Lookman’s achievement adds his name to the historic list of Nigerian footballers who have received the trophy, joining legends such as Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023). 

His accomplishment marks Nigeria’s sixth triumph in the award’s history, as he takes over the mantle from Osimhen, the 2023 winner.
The Atlanta star experienced a tremendous season for both club and country. 

Notably, Ademola Lookman hit a magnificent hat trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, a performance that confirmed his position as one of Europe’s finest forwards. 

This season, Lookman has continued his excellent form, with 11 goals and five assists in 18 games across all competitions for Atlanta. 

On the international level, he played a significant role in the Super Eagles’ road to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, netting three goals during the tournament.

His outstanding efforts include a key goal against record UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid, further displaying his quality on the grandest platform.