Ademola Lukman After an outstanding season with Atalanta and the Nigeria national team, he was named African Footballer of the Year at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda led the Orlando Pride to the NWSL title and scored the winning goal to win the women’s title, defeating the Washington Spirit in the final.
The 27-year-old Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final to win the Serie A club their first ever European trophy and only the second major trophy in their 117-year history.
The former RB Leipzig, Leicester City and Fulham striker also scored three times to lead Nigeria to the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations final, where Sebastien Haller scored for Ivory Coast. The goal knocked Nigeria out of the tournament.
Lookman played 45 games for Atalanta in 2023-24, scoring 17 goals and providing 10 assists, and has made a similarly efficient start to the season, scoring 11 goals in 19 club games for Gian. · Piero Gasperini’s side surpassed Napoli to top Serie A with 2 points.
“This award is a blessing and to be recognized as Africa’s best player is unbelievable,” Lookman said as he picked up the trophy.
“Four years ago, my career was in the doldrums but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”
Other nominees for the award are from Morocco Ashraf Hakimisouth africa goalkeeper Rowan WilliamsBorussia Dortmund forward Serhu Gilasiand Brighton’s Ivorian winger Simon Atingra.
Lookman takes over from fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen As a recipient of this prestigious award, it was first officially awarded by CAF in 1992.
Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Riyad Mahrez All have won awards in recent years. Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Toure share the record for the most wins, with both winning four times.
Banda won the women’s award over competition from NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga. The Pride forward was a standout performer in the playoffs, scoring in the championship game, semifinals against Chawinga’s Kansas City and scoring in the quarterfinals against the Chicago Red Stars. Open twice.
Banda adds to the accolades announced by the BBC as the Women’s Player of the Year as voted for by fans at the end of November. Her win ends Asisat Oshoala’s hold on the trophy – with the Gulf FC and former Barcelona star named champion in five of the last six years.
