By DAYO ADESULU
Nigerian football sensation Ademola Lookman has been awarded the prestigious title of African Player of the Year at the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards. The accolade was announced during a lavish ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, which honored the exceptional talents in African football.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta in Serie A, had a remarkable year, showcasing his extraordinary skills, lightning speed, and precise finishing abilities. His contributions were pivotal not only in his club’s Serie A success but also in Nigeria’s qualification for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The talented forward delivered standout performances throughout the season, notably scoring crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League and consistently excelling in domestic competitions. His impressive displays have firmly established him as one of Africa’s most promising stars.
In a fiercely competitive field, Lookman triumphed over other notable nominees, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, to secure this esteemed recognition.
Ademola Lookman is a professional footballer from Nigeria, known for his exceptional skills as a winger. Born on October 25, 1997, in Walthamstow, London, Lookman began his football career at Charlton Athletic, where he rose through the youth ranks. He made his senior debut for the club in 2015 and quickly gained attention for his pace and dribbling ability.
In January 2017, Lookman signed with Premier League club Everton for a reported fee of around £7.5 million. However, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup and was loaned out to various clubs to gain more experience. Notably, he had a successful loan spell at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga during the second half of the 2017-2018 season, where he showcased his talent on a larger stage.
After further loan spells, including a stint at Fulham, Lookman ultimately moved to Atalanta in Serie A in July 2021. At Atalanta, he blossomed into a key player, contributing significantly to the team’s performances in both domestic and European competitions.
On the international stage, Lookman has represented Nigeria, earning his first cap in 2021. He was part of the squad that qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, demonstrating his importance to the national team. Lookman is celebrated for his dynamic playing style, skillful footwork, and ability to score crucial goals, making him one of the rising stars in African football.
