Nigerian winger and Atlanta of Italy mercurial player, Ademola Lookman on the night of Monday, 16 December, 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, crowned 2024 African Player of the Year.
This award bestowed on Lookman was as a result of his impressive performances for both club and country.
He was the standout winner in a year he dazzled the world with his breathtaking skills and scoring abilities.
Speaking after being presented with the award by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, assisted by his CAF counterpart, Patrice Motsepe, Lookman advised youths not to be deterred by failures.
He advised youths to learn to turn failures into strength and triumph.
“Four years ago, I have some of the worse moments of my football but fast forward four years today, I’m crowned as the best footballer in Africa,” he said.
His three goals and two assists helped Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, and he also scored a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Cup final, leading Atalanta FC to victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
This season, Lookman has notched 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances in all competitions for Atalanta, including a goal against record winners Real Madrid FC in the UEFA Champions League.
Nigeria would surpass its current tally of five winners, including Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023).
Ademola Lookman would take over the mantle from Osimhen as the latest Nigerian winner.
Last year, Nigerians Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala claimed the men’s and women’s top prizes, respectively. This year, Lookman faces stiff competition from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Despite the tough lineup, Lookman was heavily favored to succeed Osimhen as the best footballer on the continent, thanks to his remarkable achievements.
The 27-year-old was also the only African player shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, where he finished in an impressive 14th place.
