At a time when the political and economic landscape of Nigeria looks gloomy, it seems there is very little to celebrate.
Indeed, British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch’s recent comments about her past experience growing in the country has done very little to project Africa’s most populous country in positive light, much to displeasure of many passionate citizens.
There was however that air of positivity when London-born Ademola Lookman was named the Men’s Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakesh, Morocco on Monday night.
When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟
Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024
It was more or less written in the stars that the 27-year-old was going to win the prestigious award after netting a historic hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
It was from that moment Lookman’s name began to ring for the award and it was no surprise he polled a respectable 14th in the Men’s Player award at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards in Paris.
As the only African nominee on the 30-man list which was something of an anomaly, it meant Lookman was a class apart.
Looking at the CAF African Player of the Year nominees Lookman was against, it can be said they all had equal claim to the award. Simon Adingra was instrumental in Ivory Coast lifting a third Africa Cup of Nations title back in February while Serhou Guirassy was a standout out player in the Bundesliga last season with his 28 goals in as many league games only bettered by the prolific Harry Kane.
The race is intense, the votes are distributed evenly and we’re in for 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝. 👀
Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year ̶T̶o̶p̶ ̶3̶ Top 5. 🌟#CAFAwards2024 | @SSFootball pic.twitter.com/LSgVlAMpra
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 12, 2024
Ronwen Williams was the star player for South Africa at AFCON 2023 with his brilliant saves during penalty shootouts some of the most memorable moments of the tournament.
Achraf Hakimi meanwhile has been a consistent performer for Paris Saint-Germain and the ever-evolving Morocco national team.
The one thing that set Lookman apart was that he had more pull than them which has only allowed his stock to continually rise.
The Charlton Athletic academy graduate is simply a joy and threat on the left flank with his trickery, pace and flair arguably only rivalled by Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior who was the strongest pre-Ballon d’Or favourite before losing it out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Lookman has continued to impress this season with 11 goals and five assists in 19 competitive games and looks very much on course to beat his 2023-24 tally of 17 goals and 10 assists.
What’s more is that Atlanta are in a position of being genuine title contenders for the Italian Serie A which they lead two points clear of Napoli after 15 games. They have also impressed in the Champions League where they are seen as dark horses in some quarters and of course Lookman has his imprint with three goals and one assist in five games.
Lookman’s importance to the Super Eagles can also not to be overemphasised with four goals involvements (three goals, one assist) helping them reach the AFCON 2023 final before losing to hosts Ivory Coast.
Lookman’s brace in the 3-0 win over neighbours Benin also ensured Nigeria started the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on the strongest possible note which helped in securing their places in the final in Morocco.
Lookman’s award means it is back-to-back accolades for Nigeria after Victor Osimhen claimed last year after helping Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990. It marked the first time since 1997 that two different Nigerians won the award in back-to-back years after Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
Lookman’s award is a sign that Nigerian football is back to being at the very top of the game in Africa and one of the most respected in the world.
Clearly, that is what the impact of Africa’s biggest and best player can do.
