Controversy in Morocco as Lookman Beats Hakimi to African Player of the Year Award

Moroccan football enthusiasts have expressed disappointment following Atlas Lions captain Achraf Hakimi’s loss in the race for the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award.

Atalanta’s Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman clinched the prestigious title during the CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday evening. Lookman’s achievement sees him succeed compatriot Victor Osimhen, marking consecutive wins for Nigeria in the category.

Lookman’s stellar performances in 2024 made a compelling case for his selection. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic Europa League triumph, notably scoring a remarkable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final—the Italian club’s first-ever European title. Additionally, the 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three goals and an assist, and earning a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.

Speculation leading up to the awards had suggested that Hakimi was the favorite for the accolade, given his outstanding contributions to both the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain throughout the year. Reports from Moroccan and French media fueled expectations of a Hakimi win, only for Lookman to be announced as the victor.

The decision has drawn criticism from Moroccan football analysts and fans. Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji, a prominent sports commentator, told 365scores: “It is a great regret for all Moroccan fans, and for all those who follow football in Morocco, because Achraf Hakimi presented distinguished levels throughout the year with the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain.”

Another sports analyst, Abdel Salam Kourahi, suggested potential internal politics within the Confederation of African Football (CAF) might have influenced the outcome. He remarked, “Perhaps there were understandings, calculations, and divisions within CAF that tipped the scales in favor of the Nigerian over the Moroccan international at the last minute.”

Some fans also pointed to past decisions by CAF, noting that Yassine Bounou, a key player in Sevilla’s Europa League victories in 2020 and 2023, was similarly overlooked for the award.

Lookman’s victory represents a milestone for Nigerian football. It is the first time in three decades that the nation has produced back-to-back winners of the African Player of the Year award, harking back to the consecutive victories of Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba in 1996 and 1997 respectively.

While Lookman’s achievements are undeniably remarkable, the debate over the decision underscores the intense passion and pride that the African Player of the Year award evokes across the continent.

CAF Awards 2024: Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Lookman, Nnadozie, and Super Falcons

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman on being named the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also applauded Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and commended the Super Falcons for clinching the Women’s National Team of the Year honor.

The awards, which celebrate excellence in African football, took place on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, the governor described the winners as exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria, praising their talent and contributions to the nation’s pride on the global stage.

“As a proud Nigerian and football enthusiast, I celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie at the 2024 CAF Awards. Their victories as the Men’s African Footballer of the Year and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year are a source of immense pride,” Sanwo-Olu said.

He also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recognition as the 2023 Women’s National Team of the Year, emphasizing their dominance as Africa’s best female football team.

“These awards reflect the dedication, skill, and hard work of our footballers. They have not only brought personal acclaim but also showcased the immense potential of Nigerian football to the world,” he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu concluded by encouraging young Nigerian footballers to draw inspiration from the achievements of Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons, reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting the sport.

Nigerian Stars Shine Bright in CAF Men’s, Women’s Best XI

Nigerian footballers dominated the 2024 CAF Awards as six of the country’s stars were named in the CAF Men’s and Women’s Best XI during the ceremony held on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Super Falcons had four representatives — Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Asisat Oshoala — in the Women’s XI, while Super Eagles duo Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen earned spots in the Men’s XI.

Nigeria’s total of six players across both teams marked the highest representation for any country, showcasing the nation’s footballing strength on the continent.

Alozie and Ohale were part of a formidable three-player defense in the Women’s XI. Despite narrowly missing out on individual honors, Ajibade’s consistent performances earned her a spot in the midfield, while Oshoala’s continued excellence secured her recognition once again.

On the men’s side, Lookman and Osimhen formed part of a dynamic front three. Lookman’s stellar year for club and country earned him further accolades, while Osimhen — the 2023 CAF Player of the Year — proved his worth with another outstanding season.

The CAF Men’s Best XI featured Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, alongside a defense comprising Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly, and DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba. Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, Morocco’s Sofyan Amrabat, Ivory Coast’s Franck Kessie, and Mali’s Yves Bissouma controlled the midfield, with Lookman, Osimhen, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah leading the attack.

In the Women’s XI, South Africa’s Andile Dlamini was chosen as goalkeeper despite Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie winning the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Alozie and Ohale were joined in defense by South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini, while their compatriots Lebohang Ramalepe and Linda Motlhalo were named in midfield. Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak and Zambia’s Barbra Banda rounded out the squad.

Nigeria’s strong representation underscores the country’s dominance in African football and the exceptional performances of its stars in 2024.