The National Sports Commission (NSC) has enthusiastically celebrated the remarkable achievements of Nigerian international players Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie at the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The Explainer reported, Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in a historic event that confirms his status as one of the best players in the world in the current calendar year.
The 27-year-old forward’s exceptional performance has captured national attention and international acclaim.
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko offered heartfelt congratulations to the winners, emphasizing the broader significance of their achievements.
“These awards are a testament to the hard work a lot of people are putting in, and it comes at a time when Nigerian sports is experiencing a new wave of growth and rejuvenation,” Dikko remarked.
The NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, who attended the ceremony, praised Lookman’s victory as a well-deserved triumph.
“Lookman’s win cannot be questioned, as he rose above all his peers on the continent,” Olopade stated, highlighting the player’s outstanding contributions to Nigerian football.
Lookman’s journey to the top has been remarkable. He led the Super Eagles to the 2023 AFCON final, narrowly losing to host nation Cote d’Ivoire.
Shortly after, he made history by lifting the UEFA Europa League trophy with Atalanta, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
The talented forward outperformed strong contenders including Sehrou Guirassy from Guinea, Achraf Hakimi from Morocco, and Ronwen Williams from South Africa to secure the prestigious award.
Complementing Lookman’s individual success, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie continued her exceptional form by winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Throughout 28 games, Nnadozie maintained an impressive ten clean sheets, solidifying her status as a top goalkeeper in women’s football.
The Super Falcons further cemented their legacy by being crowned Women’s National Team of the Year, demonstrating the team’s continued dominance in African women’s football.
The awards ceremony also recognized additional Nigerian talents, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman making the men’s Best XI, while Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Osinachi Ohale, and Michelle Alozie were selected for the Women’s Best XI.
The NSC views these accolades as more than just individual achievements. As Dikko explained, “It will only energise us to do more and get better because we have high aspirations to reach greater heights.”