Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman, who plays as a forward for Super Eagles and Atalanta, has been declared the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year. The prestigious award was presented at a lavish ceremony at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.

Ademola Lookman, aged 27, overcame fierce competition from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to secure the esteemed title.

The victory places Lookman among a distinguished list of Nigerian footballers who have won the award, including Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023). This is Nigeria's sixth time winning the award, with Lookman succeeding 2023 winner Victor Osimhen.

Lookman had an outstanding season with both his club and national team. His remarkable performance included a hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, solidifying his reputation as one of Europe's top forwards.

In international competition, Lookman played a crucial role in the Super Eagles' journey to a second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d'Ivoire, scoring three goals during the tournament.

Throughout this season, Lookman's exceptional form has continued. He has recorded 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta. His standout performances include a critical goal against record UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid, further highlighting his talent on the biggest stage.

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