Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman has won African Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Confederation of African Football, CAF Awards.
The announcement was made during a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating the finest talents in African football.
Lookman was instrumental in both his club’s success in Serie A and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His standout performances, including crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistent brilliance in domestic competitions, solidified his position as one of Africa’s brightest stars.
Lookman edged out fierce competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra and PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award
Lookman has joined distinguished list of Nigerian legends to win the coveted CAF African Men’s Player of the Year award
Over the years, Nigerian players have stood tall on this platform, earning recognition for their stellar performances and contributions to the beautiful game.
Below is the list of Nigerians who have won the prestigious award:
1. Rashidi Yekini — 1993
Rashidi Yekini etched his name in Nigerian football history as the first Super Eagles star to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1993.
2. Emmanuel Amuneke — 1994
Following Yekini’s maiden triumph, Emmanuel Amuneke ensured Nigeria retained the CAF Footballer of the Year award a year later by delivering outstanding performances both domestically and internationally.
3. Victor Ikpeba — 1997
The prince of Monaco, Victor Ikpeba, became the fourth Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
4. Nwankwo Kanu — 1996, 1999
Nwankwo Kanu remains a unique figure in Nigerian football history, being the only Nigerian to win the CAF Footballer of the Year award twice.
5. Victor Osimhen — 2023
After 24 years without a winner, Victor Osimhen ended Nigeria’s long wait for another CAF Footballer of the Year when he clinched the award in 2023.
6. Ademola Lookman — 2024
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has deservedly been named the 2024 CAF African to crown an incredible year for the Atalanta and Super Eagles star.
Lookman was the overwhelming favourite heading into the awards and was duly crowned the winner of this year’s award to make it two Nigerian victors in a row.
