By: Precious Miracle Kargo
On a night celebrating excellence in African Football, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman emerged as the standout star at the 2024 CAF Awards held in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh. Coming off the back of his outstanding performances for club and country during the year, Lookman’s win was a well- deserved honour for a player who has not always had it easy.
Coming up through the ranks at London Club, Charlton Athletic, Lookman was touted for future superstardom early on in his career, culminating in his eventual move to Everton in the English Premier League. Despite scoring on his debut and registering encouraging performances, he eventually left for RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga, first on loan and later permanently. In a further demonstration of his seemingly nomadic career up to that point, Ademola later had spells at Leicester City and Fulham, both times on loan from Leipzig. His career however seems to have taken an upward curve following his move to Italian side, Atalanta, for a reported Fifteen Million Euros in 2022.
At Atalanta, Lookman has not only turned in consistent performances, but he also has silverware to show for it. His performance and hat-trick in the Europa League Finals earlier this year, which culminated in his team winning the trophy, will live long in the memory. In addition, his contributions to Nigeria’s run to the Finals of the last AFCON and qualification for next year’s edition have also been noteworthy.
Other deserved winners on the night include Zambia’s Barbra Banda who claimed the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, for her dazzling performances for her national side and the Orlando Pride in the NWSL; South Africa’s Ronwen Williams who made history by winning both the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards, despite still playing in the PSL for Mamelodi Sundowns in his homeland; and rising stars, Lamine Camara (Senegal), and Doha El Madani (Morocco) who claimed the Men’s and Women’s Young Player of the Year respectively.
The event attracted football luminaries from across the continent and beyond, showcasing the remarkable advancements in both men’s and women’s football. Lookman’s achievement is particularly significant, as he becomes the first Nigerian to win the award following compatriot Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023, marking a historic back-to-back win for Nigeria—a feat not seen since the 1990s.
Coaching accolades went to Emerse Fae of Côte d’Ivoire and Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe, both of whom led their teams to remarkable victories, proving that great leadership is crucial to success.
As the evening wrapped up, the recognition of top clubs and officials highlighted their collective efforts in elevating African football. With Al Ahly named Men’s Club of the Year and TP Mazembe taking home the Women’s Club of the Year, the night was a true celebration of excellence across the board.
The 2024 CAF Awards not only honoured individual and team achievements but also served as a testament to the progress and potential of African football, with Lookman’s shining moment inspiring future generations of athletes across the continent.