By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has been crowned African Footballer of the year after his spectacular performances for hie country and club.
Lookman’s emergence followed that of Victor Osimhen who won the gong in 2023.
Back to back victory for Nigeria means that history was repeated after 1997 when the Africa’s most populous nation achieved such feat.
While Kanu Nwankwo won it in 1996, Victor Ikpeba clinched the gong in 1997.
Lookman was named Africa’s best player at the 2024 CAF Awards, in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.
Lookman had an outstanding season with Atalanta, helping the team win the UEFA Europa League with a sensational heroic hat-trick .
He also performed well for Super Eagles at the 2024 African Cup of Nation (AFCON).
The 27-year-old scored a hattrick to help Atalanta secure a 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the final of the Europa League.
He was also instrumental to Nigeria getting to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they lost to hosts Ivory Coast, scoring three goals.
He was also named in the Team of the Tournament.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named the best shot-stopper of the year 2024, while the country’s senior women team won the Female Team of the Year 2024.
For Nnadozie, she retained her 2023 Crown.