President Bola Tinubu has celebrated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman on winning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.
In a statement by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President also hailed Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year.
The awards were announced Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian Spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them.
‘‘Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.
‘‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the President was quoted as saying.
The Super Eagles forward shook off competitions from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, and Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy to win the prize.
His win means the award remains in Nigeria after teammate Victor Osimhen won it last year.
The Atalanta of Italy player, who personally received the award in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday night, described it something as “incredible” which he is “extremely proud of.
The President joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.
The President believed that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority would inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams.
He affirmed that their determination, discipline and confidence underscore the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria where everyone thrives and succeeds.
The prize is a recognition of Lookman’s outstanding exploits for the Super Eagles and his club side Atalanta. He was in scintillating form as Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast this year, scoring some vital goals in the process.
Atalanta won its first European trophy in the club’s 104 years of existence in May thanks to Lookman’s ingenuity. The Nigerian scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to hand the coveted trophy to his club.
His performance in the Europa League final is arguably one of the best individual performances in a European final.
Earlier in October, Lookman was ranked number 14 in the 2023 Ballon d’Or award, the most prestigious football award in the world. He was the only African player that made the award nomination list in 2024.
