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Ademola Lookman has etched his name into African football history as he’s named the 2024 African Player of the Year.

The Atalanta forward edged out stiff competition from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to claim the coveted prize.

Lookman’s incredible performances for both club and country made him an undeniable force in 2024.

His historic hat-trick inspired Atalanta’s Europa League triumph against Bayer Leverkusen last season.

On the international stage, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three goals and providing an assist.

His remarkable displays earned him a spot in the tournament’s official Team of the Tournament.

This achievement places Lookman among the Nigerian greats who have won the award, including Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen, last year’s winner.

Despite fierce support for Hakimi, particularly from Moroccan fans and former players like Salaheddine Bassir, who argued for the defender’s win, Lookman’s consistent brilliance both domestically and internationally swayed the decision.