By Okafor Joseph Afam – December 16, 2024

Super Eagles attacker Ademola Lookman has been crowned the CAF Men’s Player of the Year for 2024.

“When the stars align, they spell Ademola Lookman. Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year,” CAF announced on its official X account late Monday night.

Lookman clinched the prestigious award, succeeding fellow Nigerian and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who won it in 2023.

The Atalanta forward earned the accolade following a phenomenal year with both club and country, cementing his place as one of Africa’s finest footballers.

Lookman’s decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria—after representing England at youth level, where he won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017—proved to be a turning point in his illustrious career.

A Star at the 2023 AFCON

The forward played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring two goals in the qualifiers. His fine form ensured his inclusion in Jose Peseiro’s final 25-man squad for the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, held from January 13 to February 11, 2024.

In Nigeria’s Group A opener against Equatorial Guinea, Lookman registered a crucial assist for Victor Osimhen’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for his tournament heroics.

The Super Eagles attacker was the difference-maker in the knockout stages, scoring twice in a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the Round of 16. Lookman continued his blistering form in the quarter-final, netting the decisive goal in a 1-0 win against Angola.

His performances etched his name in the history books as he became the fourth Nigerian to score three or more goals in AFCON knockout rounds, joining legends Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Odion Ighalo.

With Lookman’s heroics propelling the Super Eagles to the semi-finals, he cemented his role as Nigeria’s talisman, earning admiration both at home and abroad. His efforts earned him a deserved spot in CAF’s official Team of the Tournament.

Club Success with Atalanta

Lookman’s brilliance was not confined to the international stage. At club level, he was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph during the 2023/24 season.

In the final against Bayer Leverkusen, Lookman delivered a masterclass, scoring a hat-trick to secure a resounding 3-0 victory. The remarkable feat made him the first player to score three goals in a Europa League final, further elevating his status as a world-class talent.

The 27-year-old’s outstanding contributions throughout the year ensured he outshone other contenders for the CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award.

Lookman’s journey—from his days as an England youth international to becoming Africa’s finest—is a testament to resilience, hard work, and undeniable talent.

Ademola Lookman, Africa’s new king of football.