Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has emerged as the clear favourite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, thanks to his remarkable performance in the Europa League with Atalanta and a nomination for the Ballon d’Or.
Lookman made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during Atalanta’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season. Since the CAF announced the ten nominees on Thursday night, he has garnered significant support from fans on social media.
“Being the first player in history to score three goals in a European final makes Ademola Lookman a favourite among football fans worldwide for the African Player of the Year award,” wrote Bala_The_Game_Changer on X.
The 27-year-old’s nomination comes after an outstanding year in which he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 31 Serie A matches for Atalanta, making him the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “I thought it was crazy when I saw my name in the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or. Being the only African player on the list makes it even more special,” Lookman recently shared with France Football.
Some fans believe the award should be handed to him without further ceremony, with @jujupunte stating, “All these are not necessary. They should just take the award straight to Lookman in his sitting room.” The Nigeria international faces competition from compatriot William Troost-Ekong and eight other nominees, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Algeria’s Amine Gouiri. “This award is undisputed for Ademola Lookman… Even the other nine know this,” Maximus Dex added on X.
However, the absence of in-form striker Victor Boniface and current holder Victor Osimhen from the shortlist has sparked debate among fans.
“Must be a joke. How did Boniface not make this list? Ademola Lookman will win, though, but Boniface has to be on the list. What is the criteria?” MSN questioned on X.
The winner will be revealed at the upcoming CAF Awards 2024, where Lookman hopes to succeed Osimhen as Africa’s top player.
