Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco. The prestigious recognition came alongside Nigeria’s continued dominance, with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie retaining the Goalkeeper of the Year title and the Super Falcons winning Women’s National Team of the Year.
Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to claim the top prize, maintaining the nation’s legacy in the category following Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023. The Atalanta striker’s outstanding performances this year included three goals and two assists during Nigeria’s campaign to reach the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February. Additionally, Lookman’s memorable hat-trick secured Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League title against Bayer Leverkusen in May.
The 26-year-old forward has continued his impressive form this season, netting 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions, including a highlight goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Lookman’s closest competition came from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, whose standout AFCON final performance helped secure victory over Nigeria. Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi were also in contention for the award.
With Lookman’s victory, Nigeria now boasts seven CAF Player of the Year titles, surpassing Ivory Coast. Past Nigerian winners include Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023). Cameroon leads the standings with 11 titles overall.
In the women’s category, Chiamaka Nnadozie defended her Goalkeeper of the Year award after an exceptional year. The Paris FC shot-stopper played a key role in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, marking their return after a 16-year absence. Nnadozie beat South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi for the honor.
However, Zambia’s Barbara Banda won the Women’s Player of the Year award, ending Asisat Oshoala’s reign. Oshoala, who claimed a record sixth title last year, was unable to retain the crown.
The Super Falcons’ recognition as Women’s National Team of the Year highlighted a successful campaign that saw them maintain their position as Africa’s top-ranked team in the FIFA rankings. Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau accepted the award and dedicated it to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
The Super Eagles narrowly missed out on the Men’s National Team of the Year award, which went to AFCON champions Ivory Coast. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were also nominated in the category.
In other major awards, Egypt’s Al Ahly claimed the Men’s Club of the Year honor, while DR Congo’s TP Mazembe won the Women’s Club of the Year title, edging out Nigeria’s Edo Queens.
Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained the Men’s Young Player of the Year award, while Egypt’s Doha El Madani won the women’s category, overcoming competition from Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams completed a notable double by winning the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and the Interclub Player of the Year awards. Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy took home the Women’s Interclub Player of the Year award.
Ivory Coast’s Emerse Faé was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the Elephants to AFCON glory, while Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe received the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
To cap off the evening, Angola’s Cristovao Mabululu earned the Goal of the Year award.
