Homegrown, world-known: CAF hails African Player of the Year Lookman after emotional homecoming

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has celebrated Ademola Lookman’s heartfelt homecoming, marking the end of a remarkable season by finally presenting his African Player of the Year award to Nigerians.

Lookman, 27, clinched the prestigious CAF Player of the Year title on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco, becoming the second consecutive Nigerian to win the award after Victor Osimhen’s 2023 win.

His remarkable season included a historic hat trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final, becoming the first-ever player to hit that landmark in UEFA competitions, powering Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy.

On the international stage, Lookman was decisive in Nigeria Super Eagles’ run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final in Côte d’Ivoire, contributing three goals and two assists.

Despite being left out of the Super Eagles’ Unity Cup and Russia friendly matches, Lookman made an important point to return to Nigeria, sharing his CAF award with fans and the wider football community.

His gesture was warmly received, with CAF commenting on Lookman’s Instagram post, calling him the “People’s man.”

The organisation also celebrated his achievements with a dedicated post captioned, “Homegrown, world known.”

Lookman’s journey from former England youth internation to African best has resonated deeply with fans, reinforcing his status as a symbol of pride for Nigerian and African football.

Meanwhile, the Atalanta forward has described the decision to dump England for Nigeria as the moment that has changed his life.

According to this Pulse Sports Nigeria report, opened up in a recent interview with describing his connection to Nigeria as “deeply personal” and “life-changing.”

The Super Eagles winger was born in London, where he represented England at youth level but committed his senior international future to Nigeria in 2022.