by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
In a glittering ceremony celebrating the best of African football, Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman etched his name into the history books by winning the coveted 2024 African Player of the Year award. The Atalanta star’s electric performances throughout the year, both for his club and the Super Eagles, earned him widespread recognition as one of the continent’s brightest talents.
From dazzling Serie A defenders to delivering crucial moments for Nigeria on the international stage, Lookman showcased consistency, flair, and determination. His ability to create and score goals with ease played a vital role in his club’s success and Nigeria’s campaigns, making him a standout choice for the prestigious honor.
Accepting the award, Lookman dedicated the achievement to his teammates, coaches, and fans, expressing gratitude for the support that fueled his rise. His triumph marks a significant milestone in African football, inspiring the next generation of stars.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
As the stage is set for the 2024 African Player of the Year award in Morocco, former Moroccan striker Salaheddine Bassir has thrown his support behind Achraf Hakimi to clinch the prestigious accolade. The Paris Saint-Germain fullback is reportedly the favorite, with viral reports from French, Moroccan, and Egyptian media suggesting he leads the race.
Hakimi faces stiff competition from three other nominees: Simon Adingra of Ivory Coast (Brighton & Hove Albion), Serhou Guirassy of Guinea (Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams of South Africa (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s representative, also boasts a strong case. The Atalanta winger played a pivotal role in his club’s Europa League triumph, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. On the international stage, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final, contributing three goals and an assist while earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament.
However, Bassir believes Morocco has a unique opportunity to claim the title after being overlooked in 2023 despite strong campaigns from Hakimi and goalkeeper Yassine Bono. He expressed hope that this year’s award would recognize Hakimi’s excellence, stating:
“I am optimistic about Achraf Hakimi being named the best African player of 2024. We do not want surprises like last year when, despite Victor Osimhen’s achievements, we felt Morocco deserved the honor.”
Lookman, on the other hand, seeks to join the elite ranks of Nigerian greats such as Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen, who have previously won the award.
The ceremony, hosted in Morocco, promises an exciting conclusion to the debate on who truly deserves the title of Africa’s best in 2024.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
An Evening of Legends, History, and Hope for Nigerian Football
Marrakech, Morocco – The glittering 2024 African Player of the Year awards ceremony has attracted some of the biggest names in African football, including Nigerian legend Obafemi Martins, who has arrived in Morocco to show his support for Ademola Lookman.
Martins, remembered for his electrifying pace and iconic acrobatic celebrations, joins a distinguished lineup of football greats, including Victor Wanyama, Mohamed Zidan, Portia Modise—the first African woman to score 100 international goals—and Seydou Keita. Together, their presence brings a sense of nostalgia and pride to this year’s event.
Lookman, who is in contention for the prestigious award, has had a phenomenal year. The 27-year-old forward’s heroics with Atalanta last season, including a memorable UEFA Europa League final hat-trick that secured a historic 3-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen, have earned him a place among Africa’s elite. His efforts also helped Nigeria claim silver at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three crucial goals.
This season, Lookman has maintained his blistering form with 11 goals and five assists in 19 appearances, driving Atalanta to the top of Serie A and into the UEFA Champions League knockout stages. His achievements have placed him alongside contenders like Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams.
If Lookman wins, he will follow in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023 after a historic season with Napoli. The potential back-to-back victories for Nigeria highlight the nation’s growing influence in African and global football.
The 2024 awards ceremony not only celebrates Africa’s best but also pays homage to its rich football heritage, with legends like Martins ensuring the spotlight remains on the continent’s illustrious talent and achievements.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Ademola Lookman turned heads at tonight’s CAF Awards with his impeccable sense of style. The Nigerian forward, known for his brilliance on the pitch, showcased his flair for fashion as he arrived on the red carpet in a perfectly tailored outfit that blended modern sophistication with a touch of African elegance.
The bespoke ensemble featured intricate details, highlighting his cultural roots while exuding confidence and class. Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike couldn’t stop buzzing about Lookman’s statement look, which solidified his status as a style icon beyond football.
Whether dazzling on the field or commanding attention off it, Ademola Lookman continues to shine in every arena.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Dec 16, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
As part of FIFA’s ongoing mission to promote safe and inclusive football, WAFU B held a one-day Safeguarding seminar for Ghana’s U-17 women’s team, the Black Maidens, at the GFA Technical Center in Prampram. The session was led by WAFU B Safeguarding Officer Elizabeth Tall and GFA’s Safeguarding Officer Bernice Bempah, who educated the team on the principles of the FIFA Guardians programme.
The seminar focused on preventing harassment, abuse, and exploitation in football, emphasizing the rights of every participant to a safe environment. “Everyone in football has the right to protection from harassment, abuse, and exploitation—be it physical, emotional, or sexual, neglect, or bullying,” said Elizabeth Tall during the session.
The FIFA Guardians Programme serves as a global framework for all 211 member associations to protect children and young people in football, as stipulated in Article 3 of the FIFA Statutes and Article 23 of the FIFA Code of Ethics.
This initiative aligns with FIFA’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the sport and creating a safe space for players, coaches, officials, and staff.
The Black Maidens, who have enjoyed a flawless group-stage performance in the ongoing WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup, are set to face the runner-up from Group B in the semi-finals on Thursday, December 19.
