Lookman, Banda excel as CAF celebrates Africa’s football stars in Marrakech

By Ashiadey Dotse

The 2024 CAF Awards celebrated Africa’s best footballers in a glamorous event on Monday, December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco. The ceremony honoured top talents and celebrated progress in African football.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman won the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award after an outstanding season with Atalanta and the Super Eagles. He follows his compatriot Victor Osimhen, making it the first back-to-back Nigerian wins since Nwankwo Kanu in 1996 and Victor Ikpeba in 1997.

Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named CAF Women’s Player of the Year. She starred in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League, leading Orlando Pride to a league title, and made history with her third Olympic hat-trick.

South Africa’s Ronwen Williams took home two major awards: Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year, following his strong performances for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Morocco’s Sanaâ Mssoudy and Doha El Madani were recognized as Women’s Interclub Player and Young Player of the Year, respectively.

Emerse Faé of Côte d’Ivoire was awarded Men’s Coach of the Year for leading the Elephants to an AFCON victory on home soil. Lamia Boumehdi won the Women’s Coach of the Year for guiding TP Mazembe to the CAF Women’s Champions League title.

Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria won Men’s and Women’s National Teams of the Year, while Al Ahly and TP Mazembe were named Clubs of the Year. Angola’s Mabululu received the Goal of the Year award for his stunning strike at AFCON 2023.

The night showcased CAF’s dedication to recognizing excellence and growth in African football across the continent.

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