2024 Africa Ballon d’Or: Two Chelsea stars, Ekong, Atiku, others congratulate Lookman

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been crowned African Player of the Year for the year 2024, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Atalanta star claimed the prestigious award at a star-studded ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night, becoming the sixth Nigerian to achieve the honour.

Messages of congratulations flooded in from teammates, football icons, and even Nigerian politicians.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong led the tributes, writing on X: “Deserved brother, we are proud of you!”

Fellow national team defender Benjamin Tanimu hailed Lookman as a “King,” while Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo called him “the best player in Africa.”

Chelsea ace and Lookman’s former Leicester City teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall expressed his pride: “Come a long way, so proud, bro. Most humble, hardworking guy.”

Super Eagles assistant coach Daniel Ogunmodede added a spiritual touch: “…at the appointed time God’s name will be glorified. Congratulations Ademola Lookman!”

Nigeria’s political elite also joined in the celebrations.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar declared that Lookman’s win was “never in doubt,” while former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso applauded the winger’s consistency at AFCON and his reliability for Atalanta.

Lookman’s triumph marks a second consecutive victory for Nigeria in the CAF awards, following Victor Osimhen’s win in 2023.

The 27-year-old now joins a prestigious group of Nigerian icons who have won the award, including Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amunike, and Kanu Nwankwo.