The 2024 CAF Awards, held on Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrated an incredible year for Nigerian football. Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was crowned **African Player of the Year**, while the Super Falcons clinched the **Women’s National Team of the Year** award. Adding to Nigeria’s dominance, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie successfully defended her **Goalkeeper of the Year** title.
Ademola Lookman’s historic win makes him the seventh Nigerian to receive the prestigious Player of the Year award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023. The Atalanta striker’s standout year saw him score three goals and provide two assists, propelling Nigeria to their eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in February.
His club performance was equally remarkable. Lookman’s hat-trick led Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory against Bayer Leverkusen in May, and he has continued his fine form this season with 11 goals and five assists across 18 matches, including a stunning strike against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Lookman edged out stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Nigeria now boasts seven Player of the Year titles, second only to Cameroon’s 11.
The Super Falcons retained their title as Africa’s best women’s national team, cementing their dominance as the top-ranked side in FIFA’s African standings. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau dedicated the award to First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, celebrating the team’s consistency and achievements.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie added another accolade to her growing list, winning her second consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year award. Nnadozie’s heroics were instrumental in securing Nigeria’s qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, ending a 16-year absence. She edged out South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Morocco’s Khadija Er-Rmichi to claim the title. However, Nnadozie narrowly missed out on the **Women’s Player of the Year** prize, which went to Zambia’s Barbara Banda, ending Asisat Oshoala’s reign after six titles.
Despite individual and team successes, Nigeria’s Super Eagles lost out on the **Men’s National Team of the Year** award to AFCON champions Ivory Coast. Edo Queens, nominated for the **Women’s Club of the Year**, were beaten by DR Congo’s TP Mazembe.
The night also celebrated several outstanding football talents and achievements:
– **Men’s Young Player of the Year**: Senegal’s Lamine Camara retained his crown.
– **Women’s Young Player of the Year**: Egypt’s Doha El Madani edged Nigeria’s Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.
– **Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year**: South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who also bagged the Interclub Player of the Year award.
– **Men’s Coach of the Year**: Ivory Coast’s Emerse Fae, following the Elephants’ AFCON victory.
– **Women’s Coach of the Year**: Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe.
– **Goal of the Year**: Angola’s Cristovao Mabululu.
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