Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta star, had a phenomenal season, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s top footballers with his crucial goals and assists.
Lookman played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph last season, where he scored a sensational hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
His consistency, skill, and decisive contributions throughout the campaign made him a standout performer in the year under review.
Lookman also showcased his talent during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Ivory Coast. He played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final, delivering match-winning performances and demonstrating his resilience and ability to thrive under pressure. Although Nigeria lost in the final to the hosts, Lookman’s efforts were crucial in getting them to the brink of continental glory.
These outstanding performances led to Lookman being awarded the prestigious CAF Player of the Year, beating out competition from Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, Simon Adingra, and Serhou Guirassy.
The Walk-Out Incident at CAF Awards
Despite Lookman’s undeniable achievements, his announcement as the CAF Player of the Year did not sit well with some of the guests at the awards gala.
Reports suggest that representatives from other nations expressed their disagreement with CAF’s decision by walking out of the auditorium during the ceremony.
Alexis Laura, a Ghanaian journalist covering the event, confirmed that these representatives left the venue immediately after Lookman was crowned the winner, leaving many attendees shocked and disappointed by their actions.
Watch the video below:
