Winning 2024 in grand Agbada style

Winning 2024 in grand Agbada style

By Ngozi Ibe

The CAF Awards 2024, held on December 16th in Marrakech, Morocco, was a spectacle of football excellence and cultural pride.

Among the dazzling stars of the evening, one individual shone brighter, not just for his accolades but for his impeccable sense of style.

The Player of the Year stepped out in an Agbada ensemble that captured both the essence of his Nigerian roots and a profound sense of originality and identity.

This was no ordinary fashion statement; it was a celebration of heritage, a nod to royalty, and a beacon of hope.
Agbada, the flowing robe traditionally worn by the Yoruba people of Nigeria and other parts of West Africa, symbolizes elegance and wealth.

The outfit typically consisted of an outer robe, an inner tunic, and Sokoto—native trousers—paired with caps like the iconic fila.

Agbada is often crafted from exquisite fabrics like aso oke, aso ofi, or even adire, offering a rich palette of cultural artistry. While it shares some similarities with the boubou, the Agbada’s distinct style, shape, and fabric choices make it unmistakable.

As noted by Wikipedia, Agbada is more than just clothing; it is a cultural identity worn with pride.
In a year where the economic challenges of naira scarcity tested the resilience of Nigerians, the golden boy of football, Ademola Lookman, brought a glimmer of hope.

Also, in a time where choosing to stand up for Nigeria can be a well-taught plight. “Asked about Shettima’s comments, Badenoch’s spokesman said she “stands by what she says” and “is not the PR for Nigeria” BBC.

Still trying to lick the wound from the pains of a father versus a disappointed child. His Agbada attire—an embodiment of wealth, tradition, and pride—was a powerful reminder of the richness of Nigerian culture.

Lookman, born into Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman family on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London, has never shied away from his Nigerian heritage despite being raised in the UK.

According to Wikipedia, Lookman excelled academically, achieving three A*s and five As at GCSE from St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead.

His journey from London to becoming a symbol of Nigerian excellence is a testament to the power of identity and self-belief.

This also takes us to the “Nigerian chess whiz has been playing the game for more than 58 consecutive hours in Times Square to smash a world record — defeating a lineup of skilled players despite a royal lack of sleep.

Tunde Onakoya, 29, of Lagos, beat the Guinness record for “longest chess marathon” after soaring past the 56 hours and 9-minute mark around 7:45 p.m.

Friday in front of hundreds of supporters but the chess master didn’t stop there and continued to cushion the new record late into Friday night, with his sights set on the 60-hour mark” New York Post. Which he did with the fila, also a part of the Yoruba piece, “fila is a soft hat traditionally worn” Wikipedia. If you ask me, fashion is a representation of who you are.

The Agbada style has transcended its traditional roots to become a global fashion statement, representing royalty, wealth, and African pride.

At the Lagos Fashion Week in October 2024, renowned designer Ugo Monye showcased the versatility and elegance of Agbada.

Celebrities like Davido and Tubo graced the runway in Monye’s breathtaking designs, demonstrating that this timeless attire remains relevant in contemporary fashion.

Lagos Fashion Week’s spotlight on Agbada emphasized its place as a bridge between tradition and modernity.
Lookman’s choice to wear Agbada at the CAF Awards is not just a win for fashion but a win for Nigeria on the global stage.

At a time when national identity often takes a back seat, especially in political and international circles, Lookman’s display of cultural pride sends a strong message of patriotism.

It reminds us that our roots are worth celebrating no matter where life takes us. This year’s CAF Awards victory was not the first time Nigeria shone brightly on this prestigious stage.

Last year’s Player of the Year title was also claimed by a Nigerian, a testament to the Country’s footballing prowess.

However, Ademola Lookman’s initiative to infuse his win with a slice of culture and patriotism has elevated the achievement to a new level.

His grand Agbada moment resonated deeply, setting a high standard for blending personal victories with national pride.