Tinubu Celebrates Lookman and Nnadozie’s Success at CAF Awards

In a remarkable display of national pride, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated two Nigerian athletes who were recognized at the 2024 CAF Awards. The President praised Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman for being named the CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year, and Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. Additionally, the Super Falcons were honored as the Women’s National Team of the Year.

These prestigious awards were presented on Monday evening at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. In his statement, Tinubu emphasized that Lookman and Nnadozie are exemplary representatives of Nigeria’s spirit and talent. “Let no one ever write us off,” he declared, expressing his immense pride in their accomplishments. He also thanked them for bringing honor to Nigeria and praised their dedication to making the country proud, both at home and internationally.

Lookman’s achievement marks a significant milestone, as he triumphed over strong competitors such as South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy. This win ensures that the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award remains in Nigerian hands, following last year’s victory by Lookman’s teammate, Victor Osimhen. The Atalanta forward, who collected the award in Marrakech, expressed his pride and excitement, calling it an “incredible” moment.

Nnadozie, meanwhile, received accolades for her exceptional performances in goal for the Super Falcons, and the team’s recognition as Africa’s top women’s national team further underscores their success on the continental stage. Tinubu also highlighted the importance of these accolades in motivating other aspiring athletes, reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering a nation where determination, discipline, and hard work lead to success.

Lookman’s rise to the top has been meteoric, with his notable contributions to Nigeria’s run to the Africa Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast earlier this year. His efforts were pivotal in securing vital goals for the team. Additionally, Lookman’s impact at the club level has been outstanding. His remarkable performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta claim their first European title in 104 years, was one of the most memorable individual feats in recent football history.

In October, Lookman’s talents earned him the 14th spot in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, making him the only African player nominated for the prestigious honor in 2024.

Both athletes’ successes are a testament to Nigeria’s rich footballing tradition and the country’s promising future in sports. President Tinubu’s heartfelt praise serves not only as recognition of their achievements but also as encouragement for future generations to follow in their footsteps.