President Bola Tinubu has joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who was named the 2024 CAF Men’s African Footballer of the Year at a glamorous ceremony held on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.
In a statement by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu also congratulated Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie for winning the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and hailed the Super Falcons for their recognition as the Women’s National Team of the Year.
He described the awards as a reflection of Nigeria’s excellence in sports and a source of national pride.
“These athletes embody the essential Nigerian spirit. They represent the best of us as a nation, showcasing determination, discipline, and confidence on both the continental and global stage – Let no one write us off. I am incredibly proud of them,” the President said. He expressed hope that these achievements would inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams with dedication and resilience.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also celebrated the honorees, applauding their passion and dedication to football. “This is the reward for your hard work and talent. You have brought pride to Nigeria and highlighted the excellence of our athletes. The Super Falcons continue to represent the resilience and strength of Nigerian women. Congratulations to you all—keep soaring higher!” she stated.
Notable figures across Nigeria echoed the President’s sentiments, celebrating Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons for their remarkable accomplishments.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Lookman’s extraordinary football skills and congratulated Nnadozie on her second consecutive win as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year. He also commended the Super Falcons for their resilience and teamwork, which earned them the Women’s National Team of the Year award. “These achievements inspire young Nigerian girls to pursue excellence in sports,” he said.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the athletes as worthy ambassadors, noting that their success reflects Nigeria’s football prowess. “These accomplishments bring honour and pride to our nation. Ademola Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons have made us proud, and their victories demonstrate the vast potential of Nigerian football,” Sanwo-Olu remarked.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State lauded Nnadozie as a true ambassador of Imo State, Nigeria, and Africa. “Her perfect saves and flawless performances are a testament to her hard work, discipline, and passion for the game. Younger generations will undoubtedly look up to her for inspiration,” he stated.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan contributed to the celebrations by gifting ₦2 million to weightlifting gold medallist Matthew Ovayioza. The funds aim to provide financial sponsorship and access to international training facilities to prepare the athlete for future competitions.
Ovayioza, who won two gold medals at the Weightlifting World Championship in Bahrain, expressed her gratitude during a visit to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Abuja residence.
These triumphs, celebrated nationwide, are a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a reminder of Nigeria’s limitless potential in the world of sports.
