Today Monday, Ademola Lookman will lead Nigeria’s charge for honors at the CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco. The Atalanta forward is a strong contender for the CAF Player of the Year 2024, following an exceptional season highlighted by his historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, which secured the trophy for his team.
Last year, Nigerians Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala claimed the men’s and women’s top prizes, respectively. This year, Lookman faces stiff competition from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Despite the tough lineup, Lookman is heavily favored to succeed Osimhen as the best footballer on the continent, thanks to his remarkable achievements.
In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Lookman was a standout player for Nigeria, scoring three goals and providing two assists as the Super Eagles finished as runners-up. He delivered crucial performances, including a brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and a decisive goal in the quarterfinals against Angola. His efforts earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament, cementing his influence two years after switching allegiance to Nigeria from England.
Lookman’s club performances have been equally impressive. He scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, ending the German side’s unbeaten run and securing Atalanta’s first major title in decades. This season, he has already recorded 11 goals and five assists in 18 matches across all competitions. On the international front, Lookman played a vital role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 AFCON, contributing two goals despite controversial disallowed efforts.
The 27-year-old was also the only African player shortlisted for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, where he finished in an impressive 14th place.
Nigeria’s hopes in Morocco aren’t limited to Lookman. Chiamaka Nnadozie, a standout goalkeeper for Paris FC, is in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year award, a title previously won six times by Oshoala. Nnadozie was instrumental in securing Nigeria’s return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence and is also favored to retain her Goalkeeper of the Year title. She faces competition from South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Another young Nigerian star, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, is a finalist for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. Her performances at the U-20 World Cup and the Africa Games solidified her position as one of the continent’s rising talents.
Nigeria’s national teams and clubs are also in the spotlight. The Super Eagles and Super Falcons have been nominated for the Men’s and Women’s Teams of the Year awards, respectively. Meanwhile, Edo Queens earned a nomination for Women’s Club of the Year after reaching the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League in their debut campaign.
As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony approaches, the spotlight will be on Lookman and the other Nigerian nominees to bring glory to their nation in the historic city of Marrakech.
