The 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards concluded in grand style, celebrating Africa’s top football talents who have excelled on both the domestic and international stages. Nigerian and Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, emerged as the night’s standout star, clinching the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
A Night of African Excellence in Football
The annual CAF Awards, held amid glitz, glamour, and excitement, brought together football legends, current stars, and emerging talents. Hosted in a vibrant ceremony filled with unforgettable moments, the event showcased the incredible strides made by African footballers and teams across the globe.
The evening’s headline honor went to Ademola Lookman, whose stellar performances for both club and country throughout the year earned him the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. Lookman, who has dazzled fans with his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess for Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, edged out competitors including Simon Adingra, Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams stole the spotlight by bagging two major awards—Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year, a testament to his outstanding contributions at club level and for the national team.
Nigerian star Chiamaka Nnadozie added another feather to her cap, winning the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, reaffirming her place as one of the best goalkeepers in women’s football.
Complete List of Winners – CAF Awards 2024
Below is the full list of winners across all categories at the CAF Awards 2024:
1. CAF Men’s Player of the Year
- Winner: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)
2. CAF Women’s Player of the Year
- Winner: Barbra Banda (Zambia, Orlando Pride)
3. Women’s Interclub Player of the Year
- Winner: Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco)
4. Men’s Interclub Player of the Year
- Winner: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
5. Women’s Club of the Year
- Winner: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
6. Men’s Club of the Year
- Winner: Al Ahly FC (Egypt)
7. Men’s National Team of the Year
- Winner: Ivory Coast
8. Women’s National Team of the Year
- Winner: Nigeria
9. Men’s Young Player of the Year
- Winner: Lamine Camara (Senegal)
10. Women’s Young Player of the Year
- Winner: Doha El Madani (Morocco)
11. Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Winner: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
12. Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Winner: Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
13. Women’s Coach of the Year
- Winner: Lamia Boumehdi (Morocco)
14. Men’s Coach of the Year
- Winner: Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast)
15. Goal of the Year
- Winner: Mabululu (Angola)
Spotlight on Ademola Lookman: CAF Men’s Player of the Year
Ademola Lookman’s remarkable season made him a deserving winner of Africa’s top football accolade. His highlights include:
- Stellar Club Performances: Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s successful campaigns in both domestic and European competitions. His attacking flair and clutch goals consistently set him apart on the pitch.
- Super Eagles Contribution: Lookman played a pivotal role for Nigeria, showcasing leadership and scoring crucial goals in international matches, including qualifiers and major tournaments.
Lookman’s victory signals a new era for Nigerian football, as he joins the ranks of legendary Super Eagles players who have won the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award.
Nigerian Football Shines Bright
This year’s CAF Awards was a triumph for Nigerian football, with multiple wins across key categories:
- Ademola Lookman – Men’s Player of the Year
- Chiamaka Nnadozie – Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Nigeria’s Women’s National Team – Women’s National Team of the Year
These awards reflect the progress and dominance of Nigerian football on the continental stage, signaling a promising future for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Ronwen Williams: Double Triumph for South Africa
South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as one of the standout performers of the night, clinching two prestigious awards:
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year
Williams’ consistency, leadership, and shot-stopping abilities have earned him recognition as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers.
Celebrating Excellence: The CAF Awards Legacy
The CAF Awards celebrate the best of African football, honoring players, coaches, clubs, and national teams that have made exceptional contributions to the sport. This year’s ceremony once again highlighted Africa’s footballing talent and the strides being made in both men’s and women’s football.
The event also underscored the importance of grassroots development, strategic investment, and competitive leagues to sustain Africa’s position as a powerhouse in world football.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember for African Football
The CAF Awards 2024 delivered excitement, inspiration, and recognition to Africa’s football heroes. Ademola Lookman’s triumph, along with notable wins for Ronwen Williams, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Nigeria’s women’s team, marks another milestone in African football history.
As fans celebrate their favorites and look forward to the next season, the awards serve as a testament to the talent, resilience, and passion that define African football on the global stage.