Three Super Eagles stars may join Ademola Lookman shortlist

Posted : 17 October 2024

As the year draws to a close, the Confederation of African Football prepares to announce the coveted ten-man shortlist for the CAF Player of the Year award. Numerous African footballers have had remarkable seasons, making it likely that names like Borussia Dortmund's Serhou Guirassy and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah will be featured among the nominees.

Other prominent contenders include legendary Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who excelled in France, and Brahim Diaz, who shone for Real Madrid in Spain. The shortlist may also include stars like Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain, Burkina Faso's Edmond Tapsoba, and Ghana's Mohammed Kudus, all of whom have made significant impacts on the pitch.

However, four Nigerian internationals have made standout contributions for both their clubs and the national team, placing them firmly in the mix for the CAF shortlist. Their impressive achievements throughout the year certainly warrant recognition and attention.

4. William Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong had an extraordinary run at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) where he captained Nigeria to a second-place finish in Côte d’Ivoire. Notably, he scored three critical goals, including one in the final, which made him the first Nigerian defender to score in an AFCON final. With five goals throughout the tournament, he became Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in AFCON history, surpassing Stephen Keshi’s long-standing record.

His remarkable performance earned him the Best Player award at AFCON, making him the first defender to win this accolade since Rigobert Song of Cameroon in 2002. Troost-Ekong also celebrated winning the Greek Super League title with PAOK before his recent move to Saudi club Al-Kholood, reinforcing his status as a top contender for the CAF award.

3. Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen, the star forward for Galatasaray, is currently Africa’s most prominent football export in Europe and is regarded as one of the world's top strikers. The reigning CAF Player of the Year is expected to be a strong contender for the award again this year, especially after a successful spell at Napoli, where he played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the AFCON final.

Since his transfer to Galatasaray in September, Osimhen has lit up the Turkish Super Lig with his performances. His summer transfer was highly publicized, with several top European clubs competing for his signature, solidifying his status as one of Africa's most popular players.

2. Victor Boniface

Striker Victor Boniface has made a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen, where he has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising forwards. The 23-year-old had a stellar 2023/2024 season, contributing to the team's success in winning the Bundesliga, German Cup, and German Super Cup. Despite facing injury setbacks, he scored 14 goals in the league and 21 in all competitions during his debut season.

Known for his powerful play and technical skills, Boniface is confident in his chances for the CAF Player of the Year award. He believes he deserves the title, saying, “If it’s just what we did last season, I’ll pick myself.”

1. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman of Atalanta has had a remarkable year, positioning himself as a frontrunner for the CAF Player of the Year award. His contributions were vital in helping Atalanta secure the UEFA Europa League title, and he was named the club's Player of the Year. Lookman's standout performance in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick, was historic, making him the first player to achieve this feat in a one-legged European final since 1969.

Additionally, Lookman made history by being the first Atalanta player nominated for the Ballon d'Or, a recognition of his impressive performances for both club and country. His accomplishments at AFCON 2024, where he was Nigeria’s joint-top scorer, further solidified his status as a top contender for the CAF award. After recently being named Atalanta’s Player of the Month for September, Lookman’s odds of winning the CAF Player of the Year crown seem exceptionally strong.

Three Super Eagles stars may join Ademola Lookman shortlist

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