The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements in African football. Among the most prestigious honours is the African Player of the Year award, recognizing the continent’s top footballer annually.
Nigerian Recipients of the African Player of the Year Award
Nigeria has a rich history of producing world-class footballers who have been honoured with this prestigious award . As of December 16, 2024, Nigerian players have secured the African Player of the Year award eight times, with Ademola Lookman being the latest winner.
Here is a list of Nigerian players who have won the award:
Rashidi Yekini (1993)
Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the award in 1993, following his remarkable performances that led Nigeria to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and a strong showing at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The legendary footballer passed on May 4th, 2012.
Emmanuel Amunike (1994)
Amunike clinched the title in 1994 after playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and contributing significantly to the national team’s success.
Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)
Kanu is a two-time recipient, winning in 1996 and 1999. His exceptional skills were evident during his tenure with Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, as well as his contributions to Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal in 1996.
Victor Ikpeba (1997)
Ikpeba earned the award in 1997, following impressive performances with AS Monaco and the Nigerian national team, particularly during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Victor Osimhen (2023)
Osimhen was honored in 2023 after a stellar season with Napoli, where he played a crucial role in their Serie A triumph, and his consistent goal-scoring for the Nigerian national team.
Ademola Lookman (2024)
On December 16, 2024, Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to receive the award. His outstanding year included a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory and significant contributions to Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he scored three goals.
Ademola Lookman’s remarkable year
Ademola Lookman’s achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of extraordinary. The 27-year-old forward, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was instrumental in the club’s success, notably scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final. His domestic league performance was equally impressive, with 17 goals last season and 11 goals in the current campaign. On the international stage, Lookman role has been pivotal in Nigeria’s progression to the Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three crucial goals during the tournament.
Upon receiving the award, Lookman expressed immense pride and encouraged perseverance in pursuing dreams despite setbacks. His recognition marks a continuation of Nigeria’s legacy in African football, inspiring future generations of Nigerian footballers to strive for excellence on both continental and global stages.