Lookman stole the show as Atalanta won the UEFA Europa League in May, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen
By Kehinde Okeowo
Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman has expressed his excitement after he was crowned as the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year.
TheNiche had earlier reported that the Super Eagles attacker 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.
With the feat, he crowned an incredible year by becoming the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious award.
Lookman began the year by helping the Super Eagles finish second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 27-year-old then stole the show as Atalanta won the UEFA Europa League in May, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Apart from being the only African who was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he was also named Atalanta Player of the Season.
Speaking after winning the prize, Lookman, who has so far contributed 27 goals and 12 assists between club and country this year said, “I want to thank almighty God for everything that He’s been doing in my life He’s been blessing me with.”
The Nigerian international added, “I want to thank the Presidents, all my teammates, club and country, for their support and the love that they give me.
“This award is for me, my family, my nation and to be recognised as the best player in Africa is something incredible. I am extremely proud.
“Just over four years ago I failed in front of the world. Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa.
“I want to say to all the young children and people watching this, don’t let your failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into your power and continue to fly. God bless.”