Ademola Lookman is poised to join an elite group of Super Eagles legends as the frontrunner for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced its final nominees for the African Player of the Year, featuring Lookman and William Troost-Ekong from the Super Eagles.
Lookman’s exceptional performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a historic hat-trick for Atalanta, has cemented his position as a top contender. This achievement followed his impressive showing in the Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria reached the final.
With Victor Osimhen’s remarkable win last year, Lookman aims to become the latest Nigerian to claim the award. His recent performance against Verona reinforces his status as Africa’s best player.
If Lookman secures the CAF Player of the Year Award, he will join an exclusive group of Super Eagles greats. Notably, Rashidi Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the award in 1993, followed by Emmanuel Amunike in 1994 and Victor Ikpeba in 1997. Kanu Nwankwo, a two-time winner in 1996 and 1999, is the only Nigerian to have achieved this feat twice.
By winning the award, Lookman will distinguish himself among the all-time greats, alongside legendary players like Jay Jay Okocha and Mikel Obi, who narrowly missed the honor in 2013.
Other Notable Nigerian Winners:
- Rashidi Yekini: First Nigerian to win the award in 1993
- Emmanuel Amunike: Won in 1994 after a sensational AFCON performance
- Victor Ikpeba: Won in 1997 following an excellent season with AS Monaco
- Kanu Nwankwo: Two-time winner in 1996 and 1999
- Victor Osimhen: Won the award last year
Source: https://pulse.ng
