President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman on winning the 2024 CAF Awards African Player of the Year prize.
The President also lauded Super Falcons star Chiamaka Nnadozie for bagging the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and the Super Falcons for being named the Women’s National Team of the Year.
The awards were announced on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman, who plays his club football with Atalanta in Italy, beat off competition from Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhe Guirassy and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams to succeed fellow Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year.
On her part, Paris FC goalkeeper Nnadozie retained the prize she won last year but lost out to Zambia’s Barbra Banda in the Women’s Player of the Year category.
“The President joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating these athletes, describing them as worthy ambassadors for showcasing their talent and bringing honour to the country on the continental and world stage,” one of Tinubu’s spokesmen, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement.
“The President believes that this recognition by Africa’s highest football authority will inspire other upcoming athletes to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams.
“He affirms that their determination, discipline and confidence underscore the administration’s resolve to build a better Nigeria where everyone thrives and succeeds.”
The statement quoted Tinubu as saying: ‘‘These athletes embody the essential Nigerian Spirit. They signpost the best in us as a nation. Let no one ever write us off. I am incredibly proud of them.
‘‘Thank you for making Nigeria proud and keeping our flag flying.
‘‘Thank you for winning medals for Nigeria both at home and abroad. You will win more in the future.”
