The 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman - Photo CAF Media.
The 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman has charged young footballers to remain steadfast in the quest to achieve success in their football career.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international was adjudged the best men’s player for the year under review following his sterling performance with club, Atalanta and the Super Eagles at the last Africa Cup of Nations where they finished runners up to hosts, Ivory Coast earlier this year.
He succeeded compatriot Victor Osimhen, marking the first back-to-back Nigerian winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997). The Charlton Athletic graduate said after claiming the coveted accolade at the awards night held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, December 16.
“Firstly I want to thank Almighty God for everything he has been doing in my life and everything has been blessing me with. I want to thank the president, I want to thank my teammates, club and country. I want to thank them for the love and support that they gave me.
“This award today is a blessing to me, to my family, to my nation ad to be recognized as the best player in Africa is something incredible and I’m extremely proud of it. Just over four years ago, I felt in front of the world and fought for four years, I’m the best player in Africa.
“I want to say to all young children, don’t let their failures weigh you down that they break young wings but in fact turn your pain into power and continue to fly, God bless.” Ademola Lookman said.
Zambian female star, Barbra Banda won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year following a stellar performance in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League, leading Orlando Pride to the league title. She also made history with her third Olympic hat-trick.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams won two awards: CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year, after an excellent year with PSL side, Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Doha El Madani won Women’s Interclub Player and Young Player of the Year, respectively.
Ivory Coast coach, Emerse Fae was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the Elephants to the 2023 AFCON title on home soil. Lamia Boumehdi won the women’s equivalent for guiding TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League trophy.
Other winners included Cote d’Ivoire and Nigeria as Men’s and Women’s National Teams of the Year. Al Ahly and TP Mazembe were crowned Clubs of the Year, and Angola’s Mabululu won Goal of the Year for his stunning strike at AFCON 2023.
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