Ademola Lookman has achieved a monumental milestone by winning the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year (CAF POTY) award.
The Atalanta forward, crowned at an elaborate ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night, expressed pride and gratitude after becoming the sixth Nigerian to clinch Africa’s most prestigious football honour, Footballrover reports.
A record-breaking year for Ademola Lookman
Lookman’s exceptional performances in 2024 sealed his status as the continent’s finest.
The 27-year-old registered an impressive 27 goals and 12 assists across club and international competitions.
His crowning moment came in the Europa League final, where he delivered a sensational hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, securing the trophy for the Serie A side.
These achievements earned him a spot in the Europa League Team of the Year, further increasing his reputation as a world-class talent.
Lookman edged out formidable competition, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, to claim the coveted CAF POTY award.
Nigeria’s legacy in CAF Player of the Year awards
Lookman’s triumph marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has won the CAF POTY award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
This back-to-back success for Nigeria echoes the country’s golden era in the late 1990s, when Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba won the award in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
This victory marks the seventh time a Nigerian player has received the award, with Kanu winning it on two occasions.
Meanwhile, no African country has produced more CAF Player of the Year winners than Nigeria.
👑 Rashidi Yekini – 1993
👑 Emmanuel Amunike – 1994
👑 Kanu Nwakwo – 1996
👑 Victor Ikpeba – 1997
👑 Kanu Nwakwo – 1996, 1999
👑 Victor Osimhen – 2023
👑 Ademola Lookman – 2024
A message of inspiration
In an emotional acceptance speech, Lookman thanked God, his family, teammates, and the support systems at his club and national team.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled a personal failure four years ago and emphasised how perseverance turned his pain into success.
“I want to thank almighty God for everything that He’s been doing in my life, He’s been blessing me with.
“I want to thank the Presidents, all my teammates, club, and country for their support and the love that they give me.
“This award is for me, my family, and my nation, and to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible. I am extremely proud.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, and I’m the best player in Africa.
“I want to say to all the young children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly. God bless,” Lookman said from the stage.
Other winners at the CAF awards
The event also celebrated standout performers in African football. Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year, ahead of Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, who secured the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award.
The Super Falcons earned the Women’s National Team of the Year accolade as they continue to maintain their dominance on the continent.
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