Ademola Lookman Anchored With the Prestigious 2024 CAF Men's Player of the Year Award

Nigeria's Super Eagle and Atalanta player, Ademola Lookman is the winner of the African Player of the Year award following the announcement on Monday at the annual ceremony held at the Palais des Congres in Marrakech, Morocco. 

Ademola's career took a new turn following his stellar performance at the 2023 AFCON, in which the Super Eagles finished as runners-up behind the host nation, Cote d'Ivoire. While that might have seemed enough, he went on to play a significant role in leading Atalanta to win their first UEFA Europa League trophy. He scored the hat trick that led the team to win the final. 

"Playing for Nigeria was a big turning point in my career," Ademola admitted in his acceptance speech. "Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world, fast forward to four years i am the best player in Africa." 

Earlier before the award, NFF expressed confidence in the talented player in his stellar performances for club and country and his recognized for an exceptional contributions on the pitch.

The Nigerian star whipped hands from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to claim the prestigious title.

He was also shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or but finished 14 behind Manchester City's Rodri, who won the trophy. He was the only African player that made the award nomination list in 2024. However, that was a testament to his incredible form at both club and international competitions.

See below for winners at the ceremony:

Women's Player of the Year

Barbra Banda (Zambia) 

Men's Coach of the Year

Emerse Fae (Cote d'ivoire)

Women's Coach of the Year 

Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

Men's Goalkeeper of the Year 

Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

Women's Goalkeeper of the Year 

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)

Men's National Team of the Year 

Cote d'Ivoire 

Women's National Team of the Year 

Nigeria's Super Falcons 

Men's Club of the Year 

Al Ahly (Egypt) 

Women's Club of the Year

TP Mazembe (DR Congo)