By

Eniola Olatunji 

Nigeria’s wonder boy, Ademola Olajade Alade  Ayilola Lookman (Member of the Order of the Niger, MON aged 27 on Monday 12th December 2024 I Marrakesh, Morocco took 14 steps from his seat to get into the warm embrace of the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe before receiving Africa’s most prestigious football trophy which his brother, Victor Osimhen won last year from the FIFA President, Gianni Infantino.

Nigerians had butterflies in the stomach when the announcement of the Male winner was made as Nigerians were expecting an encore of Double winning as Victor Osimhen won the male trophy and Asisat Oshoala the women’s trophy but Chiamaka Nnadozie narrowly lost the women’s trophy this year to an Algerian Lady.

Ademola Lookman who rode majestically to the venue in a CAF special vehicle with attendant protocols was flanked by his father and Mother enjoying the flashlights on the Red Carpet. Lookman who was born in Wandsworth, England  plays for Atlanta FC and the Super Eagles.

He, wearing a bottle green Yoruba complete Aso Oke with Agbada spoke and greeted in Yoruba language first before acknowledgements followed. 

Nigeria’s Super Falcon Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie who helped her club, Paris FC qualify for EUFA Women’s Championship retained the Goalkeeper Award for the 2nd year running.

She was however beaten to the prestigious Woman of the Year Award by Barbra Banda of Algeria.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria won the Best Women’s Award while the Elephants of Ivory Coast won the Men’s Trophy.

South African Goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams carted home two trophies in the Best Goalkeeper beating Nwabali of Nigeria and that of the Inter Club Men’s Player of the year  which Sanna Mssoudy of Morocco also bagged the female trophy.

Lamine Camara the irrepressible Senegalese Kid won the Young Player award.

CAF made two maiden Presidential awards to two National Presidents for their countributions to the game of football which CAF President said it is to encourage other Presidents to do even better.

The Presidential awardees were the Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and the Cameroonian President, Paul Biya. Both Presidents were represented by their various Ministers of Sports.  

A total 21awards were given while those who were in Marrakesh enjoyed entertainment from Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz and Morocco’s Dystinct with other performers.