Ademola Lookman Crowned 2024 African Footballer of the Year
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Atalanta forward triumphed over strong competition, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Lookman’s triumph marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has won the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
The winners were determined by a panel of CAF’s technical committee members, African media professionals, coaches, and players. Lookman, 27, emerged as the clear favorite following an extraordinary 2023-24 season where he showcased his brilliance both at club and international levels.
Club Success with Atalanta
Lookman played a pivotal role in helping Atalanta secure their first-ever European trophy. His remarkable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen not only sealed the victory but also etched his name in history, making him the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first to do so since 1975. He also played a pivotal role in Atlanta’s win against Real Madrid.
International Recognition
On the international stage, Lookman excelled during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast. He scored three crucial goals for the Super Eagles, earning a spot in the tournament’s Best XI as Nigeria finished runners-up to the hosts.
A Career Milestone
Lookman’s standout performances throughout the year also earned him a place on the coveted men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he finished 14th—the only African player to feature in the rankings this year.
Current Form
Continuing his impressive form, Lookman has been instrumental for Atalanta in the ongoing Serie A campaign, scoring eight goals and propelling his team to the top of the table.
AJU2kobo.com view: Ademola Lookman’s crowning as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year is a testament to his talent, determination, and consistency. His achievements not only reflect his individual brilliance but also solidify Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African football. With back-to-back Nigerian winners, Lookman’s victory inspires a new generation of African footballers on the global stage.
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