2024 CAF awards: Tinubu congratulates Lookman, Nnadozie, Super Falcons
Nigerian President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Super Eagles and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman for crowning the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year.
According to a statement by a presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, late Monday night, President Tinubu also congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for clinching the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year at the CAF awards ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
President Tinubu joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage.
According to the statement, “The president believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams.
“He affirms that their determination, discipline, and confidence underscore the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria where everyone thrives and succeeds.
‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them.
“Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.
“Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future,’’ the President said.
READ ALSO: Breaking: Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman wins 2024 CAF men’s player of the year
The Informant247 reports that the Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, was late Monday announced as the 2024 CAF men’s ‘Player of the Year.’
At the Confederation of African Football Awards ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, the 27-year-old was announced the winner of the gong at the gala held in Marrakesh, Morocco, on Monday.
Lookman won after edging out Brighton’s Simon Adingra, Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy and Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi.
Lookman became the favourite after helping his club side, Atalanta, win the Europa League and was instrumental in Nigeria’s reaching the final of AFCON 2024.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman thanked God for the honour and thanked President Bola Tinubu, his teammates, and all those who supported him along the way.
He dedicated the accolade to Nigeria and his family, acknowledging their unwavering support.
The winger urged the next generation not to “let your failure weigh you down. Turn your pains into wings and continue to fly.”
However, the Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, was also crowned 2024 Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The 24-year-old edged out Andile Dlamini, Khadija Er-rmichi, Habiba Sabry, and Fideline Ngoy to the crown after her stellar season, marked by outstanding performances for club and country, made her the standout choice in a rigorous voting process.
Her exceptional form in France’s Division 1 Féminine was key in her win. Representing Paris FC, Nnadozie was named Goalkeeper of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.
Nnadozie’s heroic efforts, including a 33% clean-sheet ratio and game-saving performances, propelled Paris FC to a third-place finish in the league.
Her brilliance extended to the international stage, where she shone for Nigeria at the Paris Olympic Games, solidifying her reputation as one of Africa’s most dependable goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons of Nigeria have been named the women’s national team of the year after edging out with Banyana Banyana of South Africa and Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, the other teams in contention for the Women’s National Team of the Year.
The President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, who received the award, dedicated it to Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu for supporting women’s football.
