Ademola Lookman has earned widespread praise after being crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.
The Atalanta star's incredible performances over the past year were recognized, making him the best footballer on the continent.
Lookman’s achievement was celebrated across various circles, with Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong expressing pride: “Deserved brother, we are proud of you!”
https://twitter.com/WTroostEkong/status/1868753942395732304
— (@WTroostEkong) December 6, 2017
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo also congratulated Lookman, writing, “My brother, the best player in Africa, well deserved.” Former Leicester City teammate, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, praised Lookman’s work ethic and character: “Come a long way, so proud bro. Most humble, hardworking guy.”
https://twitter.com/TosinAdarabioyo/status/1868759181442138484
— (@TosinAdarabioyo) December 6, 2017
Political figures from Nigeria also shared in the celebration. Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso wrote, “Congratulations to our Nigerian star, Ademola Lookman, on emerging as the CAF African Player of the Year 2024. Lookman had a great performance at the previous AFCON competition and is a reliable player for his team, Atalanta. The back-to-back victory for Nigeria in the CAF Men’s category, following Victor Osimhen’s victory last year, reflects the strong showing our country’s athletes put on their respective stages.” Kwankwaso also congratulated Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was named the Best Women’s Goalkeeper.
https://twitter.com/KwankwasoRM/status/1868765066658447790
— (@KwankwasoRM) December 6, 2017
Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Look no further than Ademola Lookman, African Footballer of the Year 2024. Congratulations.”
https://twitter.com/atiku/status/1868762946962440612
— (@atiku) December 6, 2017
Lookman is the sixth Nigerian player to win the coveted award, following in the footsteps of football legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, Kanu Nwankwo, and Victor Osimhen. His victory represents a continued dominance of Nigerian football in Africa, marking another proud moment for the country's sporting history.
Oluwayemi Omolagba