MARRAKECH, Dec. 17 (AGCNewsNet) – Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Player of the Year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Atalanta star was honored during a glamorous ceremony celebrating the continent's footballing excellence, following a stellar year marked by his blistering pace, technical skill, and clinical finishing.

Lookman’s remarkable performances played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Atalanta’s success in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League. Notably, he scored a historic hat-trick in Atalanta's 3-0 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, ending the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run.

"This award is for my teammates, my family, and the fans who have supported me through this journey," Lookman said during his acceptance speech.

Lookman edged out strong contenders, including Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, Guinea's Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa's Ronwen Williams.

Other CAF Award Winners

· Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda – Zambia

· Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria

· Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara – Senegal (second consecutive win)

· Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani – Morocco

· Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly FC – Egypt

· Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe – Congo

· Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams – South Africa

· Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy – Morocco

· Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria

· Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams – South Africa

· Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae – Ivory Coast

· Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi – TP Mazembe

· Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu – Angola

The event, co-hosted by Kate Scott and Jalal Bouzrara, also saw Nigeria’s women’s national team claim the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

AGC NewNet reported in October that Lookman ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, further underscoring his impact on the global stage.

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