Following a stellar 2024/25 season in Europe, Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was met with thunderous cheers from fans and supporters as he arrived in Lagos, Nigeria, carrying the prestigious 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Lookman’s homecoming marked a historic moment for the England-born star, as it was the first time he was bringing the coveted CAF award to Lagos after winning the prestigious prize in December 2024.
Ademola Lookman African Player of the Year In Lagos ☺️. pic.twitter.com/Z2ZwLSEADC
— Justina Aniefiok (@Justinaaniefiok) May 26, 2025
Supporters lined the airport terminal, chanting Lookman’s name and waving Nigerian flags as the Atalanta ace made his way through a crowd of admirers who couldn’t contain their excitement.
The event highlighted the growing pride Nigerians feel for one of their brightest footballing exports.
CAF recognition and continental brilliance
Lookman was crowned the CAF Men's Player of the Year in December 2024, beating off stiff competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and other top African stars.
Ademola Lookman wins the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award 🥇 🇳🇬 #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/IkCczaQpVk
— www.KRAKS.co (@KraksTV) December 16, 2024
The award, widely considered the continent’s top individual football honour, came as recognition for the Nigerian international’s blistering form over the past year, where he led the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and won the Europa League with Atalanta.
In Italy, Lookman has lit up the Serie A with 15 goals and 61 key passes in the 2024/25 season, ranking third overall in both categories.
His consistency and creativity saw him earn a spot in WhoScored’s Serie A Team of the Season, with an overall match rating of 7.24, cementing his place among the league’s elite.
Flying the Nigerian flag high
Lookman’s journey has been remarkable since joining Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022.
Now one of the most consistent attacking forces in Europe, his performances have earned him admiration across the footballing world.
The Lagos celebration was not just a personal achievement but a national one, as fans beamed with pride at the prospect of a Nigerian player dominating the continental stage.
Having been to Nigeria earlier in the year for World Cup qualifiers, Lookman’s triumphant return with the CAF POTY trophy signals a new era of hope for Nigerian football fans and a reminder that global greatness is within reach.
