Nigerian international Ademola Lookman, who plays for Italian club Atalanta, was named the best African player of the year at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Gala held yesterday in Morocco.

The 27-year-old Nigerian star succeeds his compatriot Victor Osimhen, winner of the previous edition.

The striker stood out for his performance in the 2023/24 season, helping Atalanta win the Europa League with a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

He played a key role in the Nigeria team that reached the final of the 2024 African Cup of Nations (CAN).

To win this award, Lookman beat off competition from Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy, Simon Adingra and Ronwen Williams, the other four finalists for the most prestigious trophy in African soccer.

Image DR