By Ifeanyi Uwagwu
Nigeria’s spell of dominance in African football reached another historic milestone as Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Footballer of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday. The Atalanta winger, whose exploits over the past year for both club and country were nothing short of extraordinary, succeeded compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the prestigious award in 2023. Lookman’s achievement marks the second consecutive year that a Nigerian player has taken home Africa’s most coveted individual football prize, solidifying Nigeria’s place as a football powerhouse on the continent.
The award comes after a remarkable year for Lookman, who has been instrumental for Atalanta and the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. His journey to continental glory was marked by key performances in the Europa League and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), showcasing his brilliance and versatility on the biggest stages.
Lookman’s 2024 began with fireworks. At the AFCON held in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, he played a vital role in Nigeria’s march to the final. Throughout the tournament, Lookman scored three goals and delivered two assists in seven games. His standout moments included a brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and a decisive, match-winning goal in the quarterfinals against Angola. Despite Nigeria falling short in the final, losing to hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Lookman’s individual brilliance earned him a place in the Team of the Tournament.
This international success was paralleled by his club achievements. In May, Lookman led Atalanta to Europa League glory, delivering a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. His efforts not only ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten European campaign but also secured Atalanta’s first major trophy since 1963. These accomplishments solidified his reputation as a clutch player for high-stakes matches.
Domestically, Lookman’s form has been equally impressive. This season, he has racked up 11 goals and five assists in just 18 appearances for Atalanta across all competitions, maintaining the stellar performance levels that earned him a spot on the 2024 Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he finished 14th—a testament to his growing global influence. Notably, he was the only African player to feature on the shortlist this year, further highlighting his impact on the world stage.
Lookman’s crowning moment continues the legacy established by Victor Osimhen last year. In 2023, Osimhen broke a 24-year drought for Nigerian players by winning the African Footballer of the Year award, a feat last achieved by Nwankwo Kanu in 1999. Osimhen’s success, coupled with Asisat Oshoala’s dominance in the women’s category, symbolised the resurgence of Nigerian football on the African stage.
Lookman’s victory ensures that the crown stays in Nigeria for a second consecutive year, reinforcing the nation’s dominance in African football. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. For decades, Nigeria has produced world-class football talent, and Lookman’s rise to the pinnacle of African football serves as an inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian players. The likes of Victor Boniface and other young talents now have a roadmap to follow, with Lookman’s success proving that hard work and dedication can lead to continental glory.
While the individual achievements of players like Lookman and Osimhen are worth celebrating, they also underscore a pressing need for the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to consolidate these successes at the team level. Nigeria boasts one of the most talented squads in African football, yet their performances have often been inconsistent, plagued by administrative issues and inadequate preparation.
The Super Eagles’ performance at the 2023 AFCON was commendable, but falling short in the final was a missed opportunity. With the next edition of AFCON set to take place in Morocco in 2025, the NFF must ensure that the team is adequately prepared to go one step further and claim the trophy. This requires meticulous planning, including securing the best technical staff, ensuring a cohesive playing style, and addressing any lingering issues within the squad.
One major area of concern is the Super Eagles’ ongoing struggle in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Qualification hangs in the balance, and it is crucial for the NFF to stabilise the team. Platforms like the World Cup provide players like Lookman with opportunities to showcase their talents to a global audience, further elevating their profiles and that of Nigerian football.
Beyond the immediate concerns of national team performance, the NFF must adopt a long-term vision for Nigerian football. This includes investing in grassroots development, revitalising the domestic league, and emulating the successful models of nations like Senegal and Morocco.
In Senegal, heavy investments in youth football have paid dividends, with the country winning AFCON 2021 and producing a steady stream of world-class talent. Morocco, on the other hand, has transformed its footballing fortunes through a robust infrastructure programme, culminating in their historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup. Nigeria must follow suit, creating a sustainable footballing ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots to the professional level.
The domestic league also requires urgent attention. A strong league system is the backbone of any successful footballing nation, providing a platform for young players to develop and transition to the international stage. Revitalising the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and ensuring its competitiveness should be a top priority for the NFF.
Lookman’s achievement is a moment of pride for Nigeria, but it must also serve as a wake-up call. The accolades won by individual players should translate into collective success for the national team. The Super Eagles have the talent to dominate African football, but without proper support and planning, their potential will remain unfulfilled.
As Lookman basks in the glory of being crowned Africa’s best, the focus now shifts to the next challenge: AFCON 2025. Nigeria’s performance in Morocco will be a litmus test of the NFF’s commitment to excellence. With the right preparations, the Super Eagles can reclaim the title they last won in 2013 and cement their place as the kings of African football.
In the meantime, Lookman’s victory is a reminder of what is possible when talent meets opportunity. His journey, from switching allegiances to Nigeria in 2021 to becoming the African Footballer of the Year, is a testament to the potential of Nigerian footballers. It is now up to the NFF and other stakeholders to build on this momentum and ensure that Nigerian football continues to shine on the global stage.
The crown remains in Nigeria, but the work has only just begun.
