- Football sensation, Ademola Lookman won the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, beating top African players.
- His acceptance speech, however, stole the show as he struggled to speak in Yoruba, his native language, sparking amusement and admiration.
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, held in Marrakech, Morocco, was undoubtedly a night to remember for Nigerian football fans, as Ademola Lookman, the talented winger for the Super Eagles and Atlanta of Italy, took home the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Lookman’s victory was a testament to his exceptional skills on the field. He edged out stiff competition from other top African players, including South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cote d’Ivoire’s Simon Adingra, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy.
The Nigerian forward’s win marked a significant milestone, as it ensured that the award remained in Nigeria for the second consecutive year, following teammate Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
Lookman’s impressive performance in 2024, particularly his hat-trick in the Europa League final for Atalanta against Bayer Leverkusen, had already made headlines.
However, his acceptance speech at the CAF Awards stole the show, as he struggled to express himself in Yoruba, his native language.
Watch the video below:
Ademola Lookman extending his gratitude in Yoruba Language. Omoluabi 🇳🇬❤️ pic.twitter.com/Klhlyp9zYp
— LERRY (@_AsiwajuLerry) December 16, 2024
Despite the language barrier, Lookman’s passion and gratitude shone through, as he acknowledged the support of his team, family, and fans. The moment was met with a mix of amusement and admiration from the audience, who appreciated Lookman’s humility and sincerity.
Reacting, One @ABuba____ wrote: “Born in London but chose his origin, only that wanna be kemi.”
@Joseph_Akin_ wrote: “Bro which kin Yoruba be this naw 😂😂😂😂.”
@OlalekanTajud12 wrote: “Lol, bro even Osihmen speak better Yoruba pass this bros.”
Bigsis0001 wrote: “Is he addressing only Yoruba people? If he is not, this is foolishness, a different kind of foolishness.”
@PrinceAdamsy11 wrote: “He do rehearsal for a week😂😂.”
@Jhayhasspoken wrote: “If you know how many he for don practice that thing you hear so 😂.”
@GustavoSam4415 wrote: “Bobo yin😭😭😭😂😂😂😂.”
@binang_joe wrote: “Congratulations to our very own Ademola Lookman . I dunno in what lifetime the South Africans will win this award again but I pray they do sooner than later. Coz the more we keep shining in their faces the more they keep finding reasons to hate us even more . Naija.”
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