Ademola Lookman: Atalanta star becomes sixth Nigerian to win Player of the Year award

Nigerian international and Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman has been crowned the CAF Africa Footballer of the Year 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman beats Morocco and PSG defender Achraf Hakimi, as well as Cote d’Ivoire and Brighton youngster Simon Adingra to the prestigious award.

Guinea and Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams were the other players shortlisted for the honour.

However, bookmaker’s favourite Lookman strolled to the award following an exceptional year for club and country.

The 27-year-old attacker played a crucial role as Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in February. He contributed three goals and an assist in seven games (more than any Super Eagles player) as Nigeria put together a six-game unbeaten run that was halted in the title decider against Cote d’Ivoire.

Lookman followed that feat with triumph in the Europa League as he led Atalanta to win the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

The former Everton and Fulham man scored an excellent hat-trick in the final – becoming the first African to net three goals in a European final – as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman has not slowed down during the 2024/25 season as he has contributed key goals and assists as Atalanta have stunned all to climb to the top of the Italian Serie A.

The former RB Leipzig star is the sixth Nigerian to be named Africa’s Best Player after Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen.