Social media users have continued to react to the announcement of Nigerian and Atalanta of Italy forward Ademola Lookman as the 2024 African Footballer of the Year.
The 27-year-old clinched the prestigious award at a glittering ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday.
The football star edged out tough competition from Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to claim the prestigious title.
The news has, however, continued to spark different reactions on social media, particularly on X.
While some described him as a worthy winner of the award, others are full of praise for him over his choice of Yoruba language for his acceptance speech.
While delivering the speech, he said, “Ẹ káalẹ́, Nigeria! Mò ń kí gbogbo yín. Ẹ ṣé! Mo dúpẹ́!” which translates to “Good evening Nigeria. I am greeting you all. Thank you, I’m grateful.”
Reacting to the development, a popular social media influencer, @AsiwajuLerry, tweeted, “Ademola Lookman extending his gratitude in Yoruba Language. Omoluabi 🇳🇬❤️.”
Another user, @oganlamedia, wrote, “This is just beautiful. Ademola Lookman with the Yoruba Heritage on the global stage. From his outfit to his first speech. He’s truly the King of Africa!!!”
While reacting to the news, an ex-aide to former President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, tweeted, “The CAF Player of the Year Award holds more credibility than the Ballon d’Or. If the Award were to be organised by French Football, Brahim Diaz could have won it this year. Congrats to our own Ademola Lookman. He makes Nigeria proud!”
Reno Omokri tweeted, “Congratulations to Ademola Lookman, who has just been crowned the 2024 African Footballer of the Year. What a well-deserved win! Nigerians are proud of you, a worthy son of the Giant of Africa, who is now the Giant of African football. You brought so much joy to Nigeria during the AFCON in February of this year.
“At Atalanta BC, you have and are still showing Italy, Europe and the world at large the indomitable Nigerian spirit. Omoluabi atata! May God bless you with greater skill and wisdom, such that you will one day win a Ballon d’Or and other global laurels.”
Popular sports journalist @Omaakatugba wrote, “Congratulations Ademola Lookman. Well deserved.”
Source: Tribune
