By Calista Oyeoba / Posted December 17, 2024
Nigerian international footballer, Ademola Lookman, has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year. The 27-year-old star defeated five other finalists including Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, and Ronwen Williams, to clinch the award.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
Lookman’s success marks Nigeria’s sixth win in the Award’s history. Former winners include Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and recently, Victor Osimhen.
Ademola has maintained his exceptional form, following up last season’s hat trick in the Europa League final and Nigeria’s second place Africa Cup of Nations finish with 11 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances across all compete for Atalanta.
Lookman’s journey to the top is an evidence of his hard work and resilience. Born to Nigerian parents in London, he began his football career on the local pitches of Peckham before joining Waterloo FC’s youth academy at age 11.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
The star, who plays for Atalanta FC in Italy, has had a remarkable season, delivering impressive hat trick and extremely needed play in the Europa League final together with playing a vital role in the Super Eagles’ second place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. His brilliant performances have earned him recognition internationally from L’Équipe and others, for his Europa League final performance.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Lookman on his achievement, describing him as a “worthy ambassador” for showcasing his talent and bringing honour to Nigeria.
Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com
NOTE: Calista is on Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos