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The 2024 CAF Awards, held on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco, celebrated the remarkable achievements of African footballers over the past year. Among the standout winners were Ademola Lookman from Nigeria, who was named CAF Men’s Player of the Year, and Barbra Banda from Zambia, who took home the title of CAF Women’s Player of the Year. This year’s awards not only highlighted individual excellence but also underscored the growing prominence of African football on the global stage.
Ademola Lookman’s stellar year
Ademola Lookman, a key player for Italian club Atalanta, had an exceptional year that culminated in this prestigious recognition. The 27-year-old forward played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s success, helping them secure their first-ever UEFA Europa League title. His standout performance in the final, where he scored a hat trick against Bayer Leverkusen, made him one of only six players in history to achieve this feat in a European final.
In addition to his club success, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held earlier this year. He scored three goals during the tournament and was included in the tournament’s Best XI, showcasing his importance to the Super Eagles. Lookman’s consistent performance throughout the season has seen him score 11 goals and provide five assists across all competitions for Atalanta, solidifying his reputation as one of Africa’s top talents.
This award marks a significant achievement for Lookman, as he follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the same accolade in 2023. With this victory, Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to receive this honor, highlighting Nigeria’s strong presence in African football.
Barbra Banda’s historic achievement
On the women’s side, Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first Zambian to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. The 24-year-old striker has had an outstanding year with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), where she not only helped her team clinch both the NWSL Shield and Championship but also scored crucial goals throughout the season.
Banda’s performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics further cemented her status as a top player; she scored four goals during the tournament, including a historic hat trick against Australia. This achievement made her the first player ever to score three hat tricks in Olympic women’s football history. Her impressive tally of 17 goals placed her among the top scorers in women’s football globally.
In addition to her CAF award, Banda was recently named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, further establishing her as one of Africa’s premier football talents. Her selection for this award reflects not only her individual brilliance but also her ability to inspire and lead her national team.
A night to remember
The 2024 CAF Awards were a celebration of African football’s growth and development, attended by numerous dignitaries and football legends. The event featured performances from popular artists like Diamond Platnumz and Dystinct, adding to its festive atmosphere.
Other notable winners included Ronwen Williams from South Africa, who was awarded both Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year for his outstanding performances with Mamelodi Sundowns and during AFCON 2023 whilst also awarding Chiamaka Anadozie as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for a second year in a row.
The awards ceremony also recognized national teams, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons winning Women’s National Team of the Year, while Côte d’Ivoire’s men’s team took home Men’s National Team of the Year honors.
