President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Ademola Lookman of the Super Eagles on his 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year victory. The athletes’ display of brilliance and contribution to the nation’s honour made them worthy ambassadors, according to the president.
The president also praised Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year, according to a statement released by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
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.
To win the award, the Super Eagles forward defeated opponents Ronwen Williams of South Africa, Simon Adingra of Cote d’Ivoire, Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, and Serhou Guirassy of Guinea.
Following colleague Victor Osimhen’s victory last year, his victory ensures that the prize stays in Nigeria.
The Italian player for Atalanta, who accepted the honour in person on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco, called it “incredible” and said he was “extremely proud of it.”
Millions of Nigerians celebrated these athletes, and the president joined them in praising them as deserving ambassadors who represented their nation with respect on the continental and international scene.
The President thought that other up-and-coming athletes would be encouraged to keep going after their goals by this acknowledgement from Africa’s top football authority.
He reaffirmed that the administration’s resolve to create a better Nigeria where everyone prospers is demonstrated by their discipline, dedication, and confidence.
The award honours Lookman’s exceptional contributions to the Super Eagles and his club team, Atalanta. He played brilliantly as Nigeria advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast this year, scoring some crucial goals along the way.
Lookman’s creativity helped Atalanta win its first European trophy in the club’s 104-year history in May. The Nigerian gave his team the desired silverware by scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
One of the greatest individual performances in a European final was undoubtedly his in the Europa League final.
In the world’s most prestigious football award, the 2023 Ballon d’Or, Lookman was ranked number 14 earlier in October. In 2024, he was the only player from Africa to be nominated for an award.
