by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
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.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Zambia’s Barbra Banda has etched her name into football history by winning the 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year, becoming the first Zambian to claim the prestigious award since Kalusha Bwalya in 1988.
Expressing her joy and gratitude, the 24-year-old reflected on her journey: “I feel great; it’s something I’ve worked hard for. Last time, I didn’t win, but this time I made it, and it feels amazing.”
Banda credited her success to relentless dedication and hard work. “The secret is just training hard and paying attention to what you’re doing. My advice to aspiring players is to never look down on themselves—keep working hard, be determined, and stay disciplined. Hard work always pays off,” she added.
Her historic achievement comes after a stellar year, where she became the first player to score three hat-tricks at the Olympics and made waves in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League with Orlando Pride.
Banda’s triumph marks a significant moment for Zambian football and serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across the continent.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian youngster Amoako Minta delivered a moment of brilliance on Saturday, scoring a stunning solo goal to lead Sassuolo to a 2-0 win over Fiorentina in the Italian Primavera League.
The 18-year-old forward, in red-hot form this season, opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Picking up the ball on the left flank just outside the final third, Minta showcased his pace, skill, and composure as he surged into the box, beat his defender, and coolly slotted past the advancing goalkeeper.
Minta was substituted to applause in the 85th minute, making way for Sonosi Daldum, as Sassuolo fans and teammates celebrated his impact. Kevin Leone sealed the victory late on, converting a penalty to make it 2-0.
With this performance, Minta has now scored three goals and provided two assists in 12 appearances this season. Sassuolo remain at the summit of the Primavera League table with 31 points after 15 games.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Ghanaian star Mohammed Kudus narrowly missed out on the coveted 2024 FIFA Puskás Award, as Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho claimed the prize for his stunning overhead kick.
Kudus’ Messi-esque solo goal for West Ham United against Freiburg in last season’s Europa League turned heads worldwide and earned him a spot among the nominees. The dazzling strike saw Kudus embark on a mesmerizing solo run from his own half before coolly finishing to secure victory.
While Kudus fell short at the FIFA ceremony in Doha, his nomination was a testament to his brilliance and impact on the global stage. The recognition comes in a week where Kudus was also named in CAF’s Men’s Best XI during the awards in Marrakech.
Despite West Ham’s struggles this season, Kudus’ standout performances from his debut campaign—where he netted 14 goals—continue to highlight his talent, even as he works to regain form this term.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 17, 2024 | Africa, Europe, International, Soccer
Mohamed Salah has reached yet another incredible milestone at Liverpool, surpassing the combined goal tally of former Reds stars Luis Suarez and Fernando Torres. The Egyptian king continues to solidify his legendary status at Anfield with his relentless goal-scoring form, leaving fans in awe of his achievements.
Salah’s consistency and brilliance in front of goal have placed him among Liverpool’s all-time greats, rewriting records with every season.
