The 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, delivered a shocker on Monday night.
Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman claimed the prestigious African Player of the Year title.
The announcement sparked widespread anger among Moroccan football fans and analysts.
Atlas Lions captain Achraf Hakimi had been widely tipped as the favorite to win.
The event marked the second consecutive year a Nigerian footballer won the award.
Victor Osimhen, who dazzled in 2023, was succeeded by Lookman in spectacular fashion.
Ademola Lookman’s triumph was backed by an impressive season with Atalanta.
He played a vital role in Atalanta’s Europa League victory, their first European title ever.
Lookman scored a historic hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
The Nigerian forward also shone at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He registered three goals and an assist, leading Nigeria to the final.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) named him in the official Team of the Tournament.
Despite these achievements, many in Morocco believe Hakimi deserved the award.
Hakimi had a stellar year with the Moroccan national team and Paris Saint-Germain.
He was instrumental in Morocco’s performances in international tournaments.
Moroccan sports analyst Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji expressed deep disappointment.
“It is a great regret for all Moroccan fans,” he told 365scores.
“Achraf Hakimi presented distinguished levels throughout the year,” he added.
Other Moroccan football experts echoed his sentiments, accusing CAF of bias.
“Perhaps there were understandings and calculations within CAF,” said Abdel Salam Kourahi.
Some fans pointed to Yassine Bounou’s overlooked contributions.
Bounou, Sevilla’s star goalkeeper, helped secure Europa League titles in 2020 and 2023.
Yet, he has never won the African Player of the Year award.
For Moroccan fans, Hakimi’s loss felt like a repeat of such injustices.
“CAF’s decision raises many questions,” Kourahi added.
The controversy highlights the growing competition in African football.
Ademola Lookman’s victory is historic for Nigeria.
It is the first time in three decades that Nigeria has produced back-to-back winners.
Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba last achieved this feat in 1996 and 1997.
Lookman’s achievement has reignited pride among Nigerian football fans.
Former Nigerian international Sunday Oliseh praised the forward’s performance.
“Lookman’s consistency and determination were outstanding this year,” Oliseh said.
The CAF Awards ceremony was also a celebration of African football’s progress.
However, the controversy surrounding the decision threatens to overshadow the event.
Football analysts believe such disputes are part of the game’s passionate nature.
The African Player of the Year award has long been a symbol of excellence.
Winning it is a dream for every African footballer.
For Lookman, it is a career-defining moment.
For Hakimi and Morocco, it is a bitter pill to swallow.
The debate over who deserved the award may continue for weeks.
Yet, one thing is clear: African football’s talent pool is deeper than ever.
