Nigeria’s Lookman Crowned Africa Footballer Of The Year; Nnadozie Is Best Goalkeeper

By Akinwale Kasali

For two consecutive years, Nigeria retains Africa’s top football award

Ademola Lookman, Nigeria’s Footballer and Atalanta Football Club of Italy sensation, has defended the CAF Best Player won by another Super Eagles forward in 2023, Victor Osimhen, as he made history, by becoming the 2024 Africa Best Player.

The 27-year-old former Leipzig, Fulham amd Everton player clinched the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night to the delight of many of his fans, well wishers and Nigerians as a whole.

In winning the award, the lethal winge4 edged out Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to claim the prestigious title.

Lookman’s victory adds his name to the illustrious list of Nigerian footballers who have won the award, joining legends such as Rashidi Yekini (1993), Emmanuel Amuneke (1994), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Victor Ikpeba (1997), and Victor Osimhen (2023).

His win marks Nigeria’s sixth triumph in the award’s history, as he takes over the mantle from Osimhen, the 2023 winner.

The Atalanta star enjoyed a phenomenal season for both club and country.

Notably, Lookman delivered a stunning hat-trick for Atalanta in the Europa League final, making history as the first ever player in the long history of thr European Competition to score a hattrick in the final, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s elite forwards.

On the international stage, he 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, netting three goals during the tournament.

Not resting on his oars, Lookman has continued where he stopped last season, as he continued his exceptional form, recording 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions for Atalanta in the 2024/2025 season.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been crowned the 2024 Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, winning the award for the second consecutive year.

The 24-year-old edged out Andile Dlamini, Khadija Er-rmichi, Habiba Sabry, and Fideline Ngoy to the crown.

Nnadozie’s stellar season, marked by outstanding performances for club and country, made her the standout choice in a rigorous voting process.

Her exceptional form in France’s Division 1 Féminine played a key role in her win. Representing Paris FC, Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.

Nnadozie’s heroic efforts, including a 33% clean sheet ratio and game-saving performances, propelled Paris FC to a third-place finish in the league.

Her brilliance extended to the international stage, where she shone for Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games, solidifying her reputation as one of Africa’s most dependable goalkeepers.