Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been crowned African Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. The prestigious event also saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons retaining their Women’s National Team of the Year award, and Chiamaka Nnadozie successfully defending her Goalkeeper of the Year title.
Lookman’s Stellar Year
Ademola Lookman’s victory marks him as the seventh Nigerian to win the esteemed title, following Victor Osimhen’s triumph last year. Lookman’s remarkable achievements in 2024 included:
- Scoring three goals and providing two assists as Nigeria reached their eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February.
- A hat-trick that secured the UEFA Europa Cup for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen in May.
- Continuing his fine form this season with 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a notable strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Lookman’s competition for the award included Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
Nigeria’s Legacy in CAF Awards
Lookman’s win adds to Nigeria’s impressive record in the category, bringing the total to seven titles. Previous Nigerian winners include Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023). Only Cameroon surpasses Nigeria, with 11 titles.
Nnadozie Retains Goalkeeper of the Year Title
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned her a second consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year award. Despite missing out on the Women’s Player of the Year award to Zambia’s Barbara Banda, Nnadozie’s accomplishments included:
- Helping Nigeria qualify for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence.
- Stellar performances for Paris FC and the Super Falcons.
She triumphed over South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi for the award.
Super Falcons: Women’s National Team of the Year
The Super Falcons maintained their dominance as Africa’s best women’s team, retaining their position as the continent’s top-ranked side on FIFA’s rankings. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau received the award on behalf of the team, dedicating it to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
However, the Super Eagles missed out on the Men’s Team of the Year award, which was claimed by AFCON champions Ivory Coast, with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana also nominated.
Other Key Awards
- Men’s Club of the Year: Egypt’s Al Ahly.
- Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe of DR Congo, beating Nigeria’s Edo Queens.
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Senegal’s Lamine Camara.
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Egypt’s Doha El Madani, edging out Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who also won the Interclub Player of the Year award.
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy.
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Ivory Coast’s Emerse Fae, following the Elephants’ AFCON victory.
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe.
- Goal of the Year: Angola’s Cristovao Mabululu.
Conclusion
The 2024 CAF Awards showcased the best of African football talent, with Nigeria continuing to shine on the continental stage. Lookman’s and Nnadozie’s victories underscore the country’s dominance, while the Super Falcons’ recognition solidifies their status as a powerhouse in women’s football. The event highlighted the vibrant and competitive spirit of African football, celebrating excellence across all categories.
