Ademola Lookman continued Nigeria’s dominance on the African stage as he was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night.
The Atalanta star’s stellar form over the past year saw him become the second consecutive Nigerian to claim the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Victor Osimhen in 2023. It is the first time Nigeria has recorded back-to-back winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
It was a glorious night for Nigeria as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive year, while the Super Falcons were crowned Women’s National Team of the Year following their impressive performances on the continent and the global stage.
Lookman’s journey to the top has been nothing short of exceptional. The forward was a key figure for Italian club Atalanta, delivering standout performances in Serie A and European competitions. He scored a hattrick in the Italian side’s 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final. His consistent form, combined with strong outings for the Super Eagles, made him a worthy winner of Africa’s top individual prize.
More Read
Nnadozie, on her part, continues to solidify her place as Africa’s finest shot-stopper. The Paris FC star was named Première Ligue Goalkeeper of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, and her heroics on the international stage further proved her class.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams was another standout performer on the night, winning both Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year. His heroics at the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast, particularly his four penalty saves in the quarter-final shootout against Cape Verde, remain one of the tournament’s iconic moments.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history as the CAF Women’s Player of the Year, capping off an extraordinary year where she led Orlando Pride to the NWSL title in the United States. Banda’s record-setting hat-trick at the Paris 2024 Olympics solidified her reputation as one of the game’s greatest forwards.
Other winners on the night included Ivory Coast, who were named Men’s National Team of the Year after their triumph at the AFCON 2023, and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, who claimed the Men’s Club of the Year following another CAF Champions League triumph.
The CAF Awards also honoured referees and young talents. Lamine Camara (Senegal) and Doha El Madani (Morocco) were named Young Players of the Year for their exceptional performances at club and international levels.
Full List of Nigerian Winners at the 2024 CAF Awards:
- CAF Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta / Super Eagles)
- CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC / Super Falcons)
- CAF Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria (Super Falcons)
2024 CAF Awards Winners
CAF Player of the Year (Men)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta)
CAF Player of the Year (Women)
Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Women)
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)
CAF Interclub Player of the Year (Men)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
CAF Interclub Player of the Year (Women)
Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
CAF Young Player of the Year (Men)
Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)
CAF Young Player of the Year (Women)
Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)
CAF Coach of the Year (Men)
Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)
CAF Coach of the Year (Women)
Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
CAF National Team of the Year (Men)
Cote d’Ivoire
CAF National Team of the Year (Women)
Nigeria
CAF Club of the Year (Men)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
CAF Club of the Year (Women)
TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
CAF Referee of the Year (Men)
Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)
CAF Referee of the Year (Women)
Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Men)
Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)
CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Women)
Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
CAF Goal of the Year
Mabululu (Angola)
© Bold Media Innovations & Creative Hub Limited. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
