Lookman and Banda named African players of the year

Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda were respectively anointed on Monday night as the Confederation of African Football's men's and women's player of the year at a lavish awards ceremony in Marrakech.

Lookman, 27, emerged as one of the favourites for the prestigious trophy for his performances in the Nigeria national team on the way to the final at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the start of the year.

He boosted his chances with a hat trick for his Italian club side Atalanta in the 3-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the final in May of the 2024 Europa League.

Since the start of the Serie A season, Lookman has been an integral feature in the team's rise to the top of the table.

"This is something incredible," said Lookman after receiving the award. "To the youth of Africa I say never give up. Turn pain to power."

Banda, 24, claimed her prize after an inspirational first season in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States.

Following her move from the Chinese outfit Shanghai Shengli to Orlando Pride in March, she starred as the side surged to the NWSL Championship.

Banda scored the winner in the final against Washington Spirit and was later named the championship's most valuable player.

In other categories, Cote d'Ivoire won the national men's team of the year for their psychedelic waltz to the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in February.

Read more on RFI English

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