Ademola Lookman, the talented forward, has been recognized as Africa’s Best International Footballer at the prestigious Ghana Football Awards.
Lookman, who excelled for both his club and national team in the past year, managed to outshine tough competition from Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Burkina Faso’s standout defender Edmund Tapsoba to secure this prestigious accolade.
The 26-year-old Nigerian international played a crucial role in the Super Eagles’ journey at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Lookman displayed his skills and scoring ability by netting three goals in seven matches, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s strong performance in the tournament.
His exceptional form was not limited to his international duties. He also had an outstanding season with Atalanta in Serie A and European competitions.
His standout moment came in the UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a remarkable hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to victory in the competition.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Lookman consistently posed a threat in attack for Atalanta. He scored an impressive 17 goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions, establishing himself as a key player under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. His outstanding performances earned him the title of Atalanta’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year, recognizing his significant contributions on the field. Lookman’s recognition at the Ghana Football Awards underscores his influence and growing reputation in international football. His combination of speed, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability has positioned him as one of Africa’s top talents, and his awards reflect a season where he truly emerged as a dominant force in both domestic and international competitions.
Ademetan Abayomi