New Delhi: Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda stole the spotlight at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on 16 December. Lookman was named the men’s African Player of the Year, while Banda clinched the women’s honour, making history as the first Zambian to receive the prestigious accolade.
For Lookman, this recognition marked a remarkable year. The Atalanta forward stood out for his key contributions to Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign and Atalanta’s success in Europe.
His performances in the AFCON saw him score three crucial goals, including a brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and a quarter-final winner against Angola. Although Nigeria fell short in the final, losing to hosts Ivory Coast, Lookman’s efforts earned widespread praise.
🇳🇬 Ademola Lookman = 2024 Men’s Player of the Year! #UCL | #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/U3uzFpAJoo
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 16, 2024
His club form also shone brightly. Lookman netted a memorable hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 Europa League final triumph over Bayer Leverkusen, delivering the club its first European silverware. “This is incredible. To all African youth, never give up—turn pain into power,” Lookman said during his acceptance speech.
Banda, on the other hand, continued her incredible rise in women’s football. The Orlando Pride forward enjoyed a stellar year, guiding her team to an NWSL Championship and the NWSL Shield. Banda’s four-goal haul at the Paris 2024 Olympics, including a historic hat-trick, underlined her brilliance on the big stage.
Full List of CAF awards men’s categories
Ronwen Williams 🇿🇦 has been named as the Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards. pic.twitter.com/E63S7dZqvt
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 16, 2024
Senegal’s Lamine Camara earned the Young Player of the Year award for his exceptional displays with AS Monaco.
Mutaz Ibrahim from Libya earned the title of Referee of the Year, highlighting his consistent officiating. South Africa’s Ronwen Williams secured both the Goalkeeper of the Year and Club Player of the Year awards for his achievements with Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.
The prestigious Player of the Year award went to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman for his fantastic form with Atalanta and the Super Eagles. Cote d’Ivoire claimed the National Team of the Year title after an impressive year on the international stage.
Emerse Fae of Cote d’Ivoire was awarded Coach of the Year for his leadership and tactical acumen.
Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue from Cameroon was recognised as the Assistant Referee of the Year.
The Goal of the Year was awarded to Angola’s Mabululu for his incredible strike. Egyptian giants Al Ahly were named Club of the Year for their domestic and continental success.
Full List of CAF awards women’s categories
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been named as the African Women’s National Team of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards.
They are the most successful Women’s National Football Team in Africa with 9 WAFCON trophies. pic.twitter.com/3cN7MAZwx6
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) December 16, 2024
Nigeria won the title of National Team of the Year, continuing their dominance in African women’s football. Zambia’s Barbra Banda was crowned Player of the Year for her incredible achievements with Orlando Pride and her national team.
Morocco’s Bouchra Karboubi earned the Referee of the Year award for her consistent officiating. Diana Chikotesha of Zambia was recognised as the Assistant Referee of the Year. Young Moroccan talent Doha El Madani was named Young Player of the Year for her performances with AS FAR.
Sanaa Mssoudy, also from Morocco, won Club Player of the Year for her role in AS FAR’s successes. TP Mazembe of DR Congo were honoured as Club of the Year for their achievements in women’s football.
The Coach of the Year title went to Lamia Boumehdi for her leadership with TP Mazembe. Chiamaka Nnadozie of Nigeria was named Goalkeeper of the Year for her incredible performances with Paris FC.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history as the first Zambian woman to win African Player of the Year at the CAF Awards. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
