Ademola Lookman has officially joined Nigeria’s hall of football legends, becoming the seventh Nigerian to win the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. The Atalanta forward’s triumph was celebrated at the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night.

Lookman’s journey to this pinnacle was nothing short of extraordinary. His standout performances on both European and African stages defined his remarkable year. The highlight came in the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League final, where Lookman delivered a historic hat-trick to secure Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. It was a monumental moment that ended the Italian club’s 61-year wait for a major trophy.

On the international stage, Lookman continued to shine. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, scoring three vital goals and earning a place in the tournament’s Best XI.

With this award, Lookman follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, making it back-to-back Nigerian winners for the first time since Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba in the late 1990s.

Reflecting on his achievement, Lookman expressed gratitude: “It’s an incredible achievement to join a list of legends who have given so much to the game. Both the highs and lows of this year have given me strength to achieve this moment.”

At 27, Ademola Lookman has carved his name in history, earning the ultimate recognition for his resilience, consistency, and brilliance in both African and European football.