Super Eagles and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has been honoured as the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year.
The 27-year-old received the prestigious accolade at a glittering ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.
Lookman triumphed over stiff competition from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to clinch this esteemed title.
His victory joins him alongside a distinguished group of Nigerian footballers who have previously won the award, including legends such as Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023).
This win marks Nigeria’s sixth triumph in the award’s history, as he takes over from Osimhen, the 2023 recipient.
The Atalanta star has enjoyed a phenomenal season for both club and country.
Notably, Lookman delivered a magnificent hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe’s top forwards.
On the international stage, he played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ journey to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring three goals during the tournament.
This season, Lookman has sustained his exceptional form, notching 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta.
His remarkable contributions include a vital goal against record UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid, further underscoring his quality on the biggest stage.
Here is the full list of winners:
CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)
CAF PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
CAF GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)
CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
CAF INTERCLUB PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)
CAF YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)
CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)
CAF COACH OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Cote d’Ivoire
CAF NATIONAL TEAM OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Nigeria
CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
CAF CLUB OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)
CAF REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (MEN)
Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)
CAF ASSISTANT REFEREE OF THE YEAR (WOMEN)
Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
CAF GOAL OF THE YEAR
Mabululu (Angola)
Men’s FIFPRO CAF Best XI: (3-4-3 formation):
Andre Onana (GK) — Achraf Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Chancel Mbemba — Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat, Franck Kessie, Yves Bissouma — Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman.
Women’s FIFPRO CAF Best XI — (3-4-3 formation):
Andile Dlamini (GK) — Michelle Alozie, Karabo Dhlamini, Osinachi Ohale — Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ghizlane Chebbak — Barbra Banda, Asisat Oshoala, Tabitha Chawinga.