Super Eagles Goalkeeper Trainer, Olatunji Baruwa MON, has expressed immense pride in Nigeria’s football achievements following Ademola Lookman’s coronation as the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.
The prestigious award was presented at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, where Lookman, who plays forward for Atalanta, surpassed competitors including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams. This accolade marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian has claimed the award, following Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023.
In a heartfelt Facebook post on Monday, Baruwa shared photos of himself with Lookman during national team duties, captioned: “Ademola Lookman crowned Africa footballer of the year 2024. Up Super Eagles! Up Nigeria.”
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Lookman’s exceptional performance in the 2023-24 season solidified his status as a top contender for the award. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s historic European triumph, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the sixth player to achieve such a feat in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman was named in the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament, contributing three goals as the Super Eagles secured a runner-up finish to hosts Ivory Coast in February. His consistent excellence also earned him a spot on this year’s men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he placed 14th.
Continuing his impressive form, Lookman has netted eight goals in Serie A this season, propelling Atalanta to the top of the league table. His achievements have not only brought personal accolades but have also elevated Nigeria’s standing in international football. Baruwa’s celebratory message reflects the national pride in Lookman’s accomplishments and the Super Eagles’ ongoing success.
In the women’s category, Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian to win the Women’s Player of the Year award, finishing ahead of Moroccan Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.
