Outrage erupted in Morocco following Achraf Hakimi’s loss to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman in the race for the 2024 African Player of the Year title at the CAF Awards ceremony held in Marrakech, Morocco.
The announcement left Moroccan fans stunned, with many expressing their dissatisfaction and questioning the fairness of the decision. Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman claimed the prestigious title of Africa’s best player, succeeding his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.
Lookman’s phenomenal year made him a strong and deserving candidate for the accolade. The Atalanta forward delivered a remarkable performance on the club front, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic Europa League victory.
In a stunning display, Lookman scored an unforgettable hat-trick during the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. His heroics ensured that Atalanta secured their first-ever European title, cementing his place as one of the standout players of the year in European football.
On the international stage, Lookman was instrumental in Nigeria’s impressive run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he contributed heavily to the team’s success. With three goals and one assist during the tournament, he earned widespread praise and was named in the official AFCON Team of the Tournament.
Despite Lookman’s undeniable achievements, Moroccan fans and football experts voiced their discontent, believing that Achraf Hakimi, captain of the Atlas Lions and Paris Saint-Germain full-back, had done enough to deserve the award.
Hakimi’s supporters highlighted his consistent performances for both club and country throughout the year. As captain, Hakimi led Morocco with distinction and showcased his defensive and attacking prowess for Paris Saint-Germain, making him one of the top-performing defenders globally.
As reported by ANS, renowned sports analyst Tawfiq Al-Sanhaji expressed his disappointment at the outcome. He stated, “It’s a great regret for all Moroccan fans. Achraf Hakimi delivered exceptional performances with both PSG and the Moroccan national team this year. His leadership and contributions were undeniable.”
Adding to the controversy, other critics accused the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of bias. Prominent Moroccan sports journalist Abdel Salam Kourahi suggested that internal politics might have influenced the decision. He alleged, “Perhaps there were internal calculations within CAF that tipped the scales in favour of Lookman over Hakimi.”
Moroccan fans also took the opportunity to draw comparisons with previous years, pointing to Yassine Bounou’s notable exclusion. Bounou, who shined with Sevilla during their Europa League triumph, was similarly overlooked, raising questions about the CAF Awards’ selection process.
Ademola Lookman’s triumph marks a back-to-back win for Nigeria in the African Player of the Year category, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023. This achievement mirrors a historic feat last achieved by Nigerian legends Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba, who won the award consecutively in 1996 and 1997, respectively.
While Nigerian fans celebrate Lookman’s success, the debate surrounding Hakimi’s snub continues to dominate headlines across Morocco and the African football community. The CAF Awards ceremony, meant to celebrate the continent’s best, has once again sparked intense discussions among football enthusiasts.
