The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its highly anticipated shortlist for the 2024 Men’s Player of the Year award, with Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong among the notable contenders.
However, a post by CAF on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter) announced that standout striker Victor Boniface and reigning champion Victor Osimhen were surprisingly excluded from the final list.
The ten-man shortlist showcases a strong North African representation, featuring Morocco’s defensive stalwarts Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi, alongside Algeria’s Amine Gouiri.
Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra makes the cut following an impressive club season, while DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy secured their spots thanks to exceptional performances over the year. Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams complete the list, reflecting the wide-ranging talent across Africa.
These nominees, representing top European and African leagues, highlight the growing global influence of African football.
This year’s selection blends seasoned stars with rising talent, all recognised for their remarkable achievements and consistency in 2024. The CAF Awards 2024 will determine who will follow Osimhen as Africa’s top footballer, with the ceremony set to honour the best players from across the continent.
