Lookman beats Kudus to prestigious Ghana award, CAF POTY credentials swell

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Ademola Lookman's remarkable year continues, with the Nigeria international adding another accolade to his growing trophy cabinet.

The Atalanta forward was crowned the “Best African International Footballer” at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra, further solidifying his position as a frontrunner for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year award.

In a video message, he expressed his gratitude: “Thank you for the consideration, the recognition, and the votes. This means a lot to me and my family. I wish I was in Ghana, but my heart is with you all. Thank you and God bless.”

Ademola Lookman credential review

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a memorable year.

He played a pivotal role in guiding the Super Eagles to the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring three goals and assisting two. However, it was his club exploits that truly propelled him into the spotlight. 

Ademola Lookman's crowning moment came in the Europa League final, where he etched his name into history with a sensational hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen. This clinical display not only secured Atalanta's first-ever European trophy but also shattered Leverkusen's record-breaking unbeaten run.

Ademola Lookman beats Kudus to prestigious award in Ghana, CAF POTY credentials swell
Photo by Icon Sport

The 26-year-old's hat-trick was more than just a match-winning performance; it marked a significant milestone. He became the first African player to achieve this feat in a Europa League final, joining an elite group of just six players to score a hat-trick in a major UEFA competition final.

Beyond his Europa League heroics, Lookman was a constant threat throughout the season, contributing a remarkable 17 goals and 10 assists across all competitions for Atalanta. His versatility and attacking prowess was crucial for Gian Piero Gasperini's side, helping them secure a respectable fourth-place finish in Serie A.

Lookman's recognition at the Ghana Football Awards further strengthens his case for the CAF Player of the Year award. He outshone fellow nominees Victor Boniface and Edmund Tapsoba to claim the award, adding to a growing list of achievements. 

Last year, Napoli's Victor Osimhen claimed the CAF Africa's Best Player award after leading his team to the Serie A title.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.