Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been crowned the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, and his acceptance speech has left many inspired. Lookman, 27, beat out top contenders like Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy to claim the prestigious award.
During his speech, Lookman reflected on a pivotal moment in his career four years ago. In November 2020, he infamously missed a Panenka penalty while playing for Everton against West Ham United, leading to ridicule on social media and public criticism from his manager, Scott Parker.
However, Lookman has since bounced back from that setback, and his CAF award is a testament to his perseverance and hard work. “Just over four years ago, I failed in front of the world,” Lookman said. “Fast forward four years, I’m the best player in Africa.”
Lookman’s speech was a powerful message of resilience and determination. He encouraged young people to turn their failures into opportunities for growth and to never give up on their dreams.
