Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been named the African Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. This prestigious recognition makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year.
During the award ceremony, Lookman expressed his gratitude and shared an inspiring message for the youth of Africa, urging them to “turn pain to power. He reflected on his journey, stating, Four years ago, my career felt like it was at a low point, but now I’m here as the top in Africa.
Dressed in traditional Nigerian attire, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and transforming struggles into strength. Lookman’s path to this accolade has been marked by challenges. After joining Atalanta in August 2022, he found his form and became a key player for both his club and the national team.
His performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored crucial goals against Cameroon and Angola, played a significant role in Nigeria reaching the finals.
Born in Wandsworth, Greater London, to Nigerian parents, Lookman began his football career with Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton. Despite facing setbacks during his early years, including multiple loan spells and struggles for consistent playing time, he eventually established himself as a top performer in Italy.
His recent achievements include scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to their first continental trophy. Lookman’s recognition as African Player of the Year not only highlights his individual talent but also serves as motivation for aspiring athletes across the continent. His teammate Alex Iwobi praised him as a remarkable talent who inspires others with his dedication and hard work.
As Lookman continues to excel on the field, he remains focused on contributing to Nigeria’s success in future competitions. His journey from struggling young player to African football’s top honor underscores the potential for greatness through resilience and determination.
