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CAF Awards: “We became happier” — Kanu Nwankwo appreciates Ademola Lookman

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CAF Awards: “We became happier” — Kanu Nwankwo appreciates Ademola Lookman

By Monsurah Olatunji

Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Ademola Lookman for his remarkable achievement in being crowned African Player of the Year 2024.

Kanu, a two-time Africa Player of the Year, expressed admiration for Lookman’s dedication, which he believes played a crucial role in his success.

Lookman, who triumphed over strong contenders like PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Brighton’s Simon Adingra, and Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, had an outstanding 2023/24 season.

He led Atalanta to UEFA Europa League glory, becoming the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a final and securing the club’s first-ever European title.

On the international stage, the 27-year-old helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, contributing three goals and earning a place in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament.

Kanu, who himself was honored as Africa’s best player in 1996 and 1999, took to social media to share a message of appreciation for Lookman.

He commended the Atalanta star’s dedication and commitment to both his national team and club, attributing these qualities to Lookman’s well-deserved success.

“Dear Lookman, millions on our continent were happy each time you exhibited your God-given talents on the football pitch in Europe; we became happier the day you were crowned King of African Football,” Kanu wrote in a message as per Blueprint.

Kanu also expressed personal pride in Lookman’s achievement, acknowledging the significance of the award for both Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“Your dedication and commitment to both National and your club side earned you this achievement. I am personally proud of you, and I believe this award will help the younger generation to strive hard and not be discouraged in the face of challenges,” Kanu continued.

Reflecting on his own experience of winning the prestigious award twice, Kanu emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work, inspiring others to follow in Lookman’s footsteps.

“Having won the Prestigious Awards twice in 1999 and 1996, I know what it means to the entire continent and Nigerians in particular. We can make it! We can achieve it, the way Ademola Lookman achieved it.”

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