Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year in a landmark event, confirming his position as one of the world’s finest players this year.

The Super Eagles forward edged out competition from South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Côte d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy to clinch the prestigious award.

His victory ensures that the accolade remains in Nigeria for a second consecutive year, following teammate Victor Osimhen’s triumph in 2023.

The Atalanta winger received the award in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday night, describing the achievement as “incredible” and something he is “extremely proud of.”

Reflecting on his journey, the 27-year-old urged young people not to let failures define their futures.

“Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Fast forward to today, I am the best player in Africa,” Lookman said.

“To the young children and young people watching this, don’t let failures weigh you down or break your wings. Turn your pain into power. Keep fighting and keep flying. God bless!”

Lookman’s exceptional performances for Nigeria and Atalanta earned him the award. He played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year, scoring crucial goals along the way.

In May, Lookman further cemented his place in football history, scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen to secure Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy in their 104-year history.

His performance in that match is widely regarded as one of the best individual displays in a European final.

Earlier in October, Lookman was ranked 14th in the 2023 Ballon d’Or, the world’s most prestigious football award. He was also the sole African player to make the nomination list for 2024.