Ademola Lookman has secured his place in African football history after being crowned the 2024 African Player of the Year.
The Atalanta forward outperformed strong contenders, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra (Brighton), Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), to win the prestigious accolade.
Lookman’s stellar performances throughout 2024 made him a standout choice.
At the club level, he delivered a remarkable hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, a display that highlighted his attacking brilliance.
Internationally, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, contributing three goals and one assist.
His efforts earned him a spot in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament, further solidifying his impact on the pitch.
This win places Lookman among Nigerian football greats who have previously claimed the award, including Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner.
Despite significant backing for Hakimi, particularly from Moroccan fans and ex-players like Salaheddine Bassir, Lookman’s consistent excellence both domestically and internationally proved decisive in earning him the honor.
Lookman’s triumph is a testament to his exceptional talent and reinforces Nigeria’s legacy as a powerhouse in African football.