Gernot Rohr Backs Ademola Lookman for African Footballer of the Year

Former Nigerian coach Gernot Rohr has selected Ademola Lookman to receive the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award. Rohr cited Lookman's outstanding achievements with both his club and his country as the rationale behind the selection.

Lookman, who is one of the five players up for the award, helped Atalanta win a special match against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.He scored three goals, known as a hat-trick, which was a very important moment in the game. On the international stage, he was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three goals and an assist.

“He has made remarkable progress,” Rohr told Foot Africa. “From tough seasons in England and Germany to becoming a complete player. He’s equally effective as a scorer and assister.”

The CAF Awards, celebrating Africa’s best, will be held on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco. Lookman competes against Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams for the continent’s top honor.

Rohr, now Benin’s coach, witnessed Lookman’s brilliance firsthand during Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Benin in September.