Nigeria's Ademola Lookman's Stellar Year Earns Him African Player of the Year Award

  • 14 Feb, 2025
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Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has etched his name in African football history by being crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year. The prestigious award was bestowed upon him on December 16, 2024, at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.

Lookman's exceptional performances for the Italian club, Atalanta, during the 2023-2024 season contributed to his selection.

During the season, he scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 45 matches across all competitions for Atalanta. He has carried this form into the current season, netting 11 goals in 19 matches and leading his team to the top of the Serie A table.

Lookman's most memorable moment came in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

Not only that, Lookman has also played a crucial role in Nigeria's qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 27-year-old's journey to the top has been both inspiring and rewarding. After starting his career in England with Charlton Athletic, he has gone on to play for Everton, RB Leipzig, Leicester City, Fulham, and now Atalanta.

It is his versatility, pace, and clinical finishing  that have made him a sought-after player in European football.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible," Lookman said during the awards ceremony. “Four years ago, my career fell down, but now I'm here as the best player in Africa. Don't let your failures stop your dreams.”

In addition to Lookman's individual accolade at the CAF awards, the Nigerian women's national team was also named the Women's National Team of the Year, and Chiamaka Nnadozie was recognized as the Women's Goalkeeper of the Year.

Lookman's victory and that of the Women's National Team are both great achievements for Nigerian football.