Enimere Àkànbí
The Yoruba Culture took center stage when Nigerian star, Ademola Lookman, was named African Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 Confederation of African Football Awards.
Ademola Lookman Olajide Alade Ayoola, who was born in England, is of Yoruba root.
The Super Eagles winger was crowned African Best during a glittering ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrating the finest talents in African football.
Speaking at the event, Lookman, who doned the Yoruba’s agbada regalia, greeted in his mother tongue, and dedicated the award to his teammates, family, and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
“Ẹ káalẹ́, Nigeria, mo ń kí gbogbo yín, Ẹ ṣé, mo dúpẹ́”.
Recall that the Atalanta forward, had a sensational year, dazzling fans with his incredible skill, blistering pace, and clinical finishing.
Lookman was instrumental in the success of his Italian club, Atalanta and Nigeria’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
His standout performances, including crucial goals in the UEFA Europa League final and consistent brilliance in domestic competitions, solidified his position as one of Africa’s brightest stars.
Lookman edged out fierce competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to claim the coveted award.
Former RB Leipzig and Leicester City winger, had in October ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings.
In May, Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in UEFA Europa League final as Atalanta stunned Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, dramatically halting the Bundesliga champions’ 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
Other award winners include:
Zambian , wọn Women’s Player of the Year.
Men’s Young Player of the Year, won by Senegalese, for the second year in a row.
female team, Super Falcons is the Women’s National Team of the Year.
The Women’s Young Player of the Year is of Morocco.
The Men’s Club of the Year is – Egypt.
The Women’s Club of the Year is TP Mazembe – Congo
The Men’s Interclub Player of the Year is – South Africa
The Women’s Interclub Player of the Year is – Morocco
The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year is Chiamaka Nnadozie – Nigeria
The Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year is Ronwen Williams
The Men’s Coach of the Year is – Cote d’Ivoire
The Women’s Coach of the Year is – TP Mazembe
The Goal of the Year is Cristovao – Angola
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