Ademola Lookman, Atalanta star, wins 2024 African Player of the Year in Marrakech, with congratulations pouring in from footballers and politicians alike.

[dropcap]S[/dropcap]uper Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has been named the 2024 African Player of the Year, marking a major career milestone for the Atalanta star.

The prestigious award was presented to Lookman during a well-attended ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night.

Also read: Ademola Lookman calls for focus as Atalanta face Real Madrid in Champions League

Lookman’s triumph as Africa’s best player was met with a flood of congratulations from fellow footballers, including Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who expressed his pride on social media, saying, “Deserved brother, we are proud of you!”

Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo echoed similar sentiments, commenting, “My brother, the best player in Africa, well deserved,” while former Leicester City teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall praised his work ethic and humility, stating, “Come a long way, so proud bro. Most humble, hardworking guy.”

The recognition also garnered support from top Nigerian politicians. Former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso sent his congratulatory message, lauding Lookman’s performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and his consistent contributions to Atalanta.

“Lookman had a great performance at the previous AFCON competition and is a reliable player for his team, Atalanta,” he wrote.

Kwankwaso also noted the significance of the back-to-back victories for Nigeria, with Lookman’s win following Victor Osimhen’s African Player of the Year award in 2023.

He also extended his congratulations to Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the Best Women’s Goalkeeper Prize.

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his pride in Lookman’s achievement, saying, “Look no further than Ademola Lookman, African Footballer of the Year 2024. Congratulations.”