The 2024 CAF Awards have sparked widespread outrage in Morocco after Ademola Lookman of Nigeria was crowned African Player of the Year, edging out Achraf Hakimi, the celebrated captain of Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
The announcement, made in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night, was met with shock and disappointment from Moroccan fans, who had high hopes of seeing their star defender clinch the prestigious title.
This victory marks back-to-back wins for Nigeria in the African Player of the Year category, with Lookman succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who claimed the award in 2023.
Ademola Lookman’s phenomenal year made him a strong contender for the award.
The Atalanta forward had a sensational season, leading his Italian club to their first-ever European title in a historic Europa League campaign.
Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s success, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, cementing his reputation as one of the most prolific attackers in Europe.
On the international stage, Lookman shone brightly for Nigeria.
He played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ journey to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), contributing three goals and an assist along the way.
His performances earned him a place in the official Team of the Tournament, further solidifying his claim to the title of Africa’s best player.
Despite these accomplishments, the decision to award Lookman over Hakimi did not sit well with Moroccan fans and football pundits, who believed their homegrown hero was the rightful winner.
Achraf Hakimi, widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, enjoyed a stellar year with both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and the Moroccan national team.
He played a key role in PSG’s domestic dominance, helping the team secure the Ligue 1 title.
On the international scene, Hakimi continued to lead Morocco with distinction, maintaining their status as one of Africa’s top footballing nations.
Moroccan sports analyst Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji did not hide his disappointment over the outcome.
“It’s a great regret for all Moroccan fans,” he lamented.
“Achraf Hakimi delivered exceptional performances this year, both at the club level with PSG and with the national team.
He deserved this award.”
Other Moroccan fans and analysts went further, accusing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of bias.
Abdel Salam Kourahi, a prominent Moroccan football commentator, suggested that internal politics within CAF might have influenced the decision.
“Perhaps there were internal calculations within CAF that tipped the scales in favor of Lookman over Hakimi,” he speculated.
The controversy has reignited debates about the fairness of CAF’s awards selection process, with many Moroccan fans drawing comparisons to past perceived snubs.
Some pointed to the exclusion of Yassine Bounou, Sevilla’s goalkeeper, from previous editions of the awards, despite his heroic performances in European competitions.
For Nigerian fans, however, Lookman’s victory is a moment of immense pride and celebration.
It marks a return to the golden era of Nigerian football, with consecutive wins in the African Player of the Year category recalling the back-to-back triumphs of Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba in 1996 and 1997.
The announcement of Lookman’s win was met with jubilation across Nigeria, where football is more than just a sport—it is a unifying force.
Social media erupted with congratulatory messages for the Atalanta forward, with hashtags like #AdemolaLookman and #CAFAwards2024 trending within minutes of the news breaking.
Videos of fans celebrating in streets and bars surfaced online, showcasing the national pride Lookman’s achievement has brought.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman expressed gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to his teammates, coaches, and fans who supported him throughout the year.
“This is a dream come true for me,” Lookman said.
“Winning this award is not just about me—it’s about the hard work of my teammates and the unwavering support of my family and fans.
I dedicate this to Nigeria and to everyone who believed in me.”
Lookman’s journey to the top of African football has been anything but ordinary.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, he initially represented England at youth levels before committing his international future to Nigeria.
Since then, he has become an integral part of the Super Eagles, winning over fans with his flair, creativity, and knack for scoring crucial goals.
As the dust settles on the CAF Awards, the debate surrounding Lookman’s victory over Hakimi is likely to linger for weeks, if not months.
For Moroccan fans, it is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given the high expectations they had for their star player.
For Nigerian fans, however, it is a moment of vindication and a celebration of the immense talent their country continues to produce.
Regardless of the controversy, Lookman’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and resilience.
It is a reminder of the competitive nature of African football, where the margins between success and disappointment are often razor-thin.
As the celebrations continue in Nigeria and the discussions rage on in Morocco, one thing is certain: Ademola Lookman’s name will be remembered as part of African football’s rich history.
Congratulations, Ademola Lookman, on a well-deserved victory.
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