Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman Emerges as Front-Runner for African Player of the Year Award

The stage is set for the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony, taking place Monday evening in Marrakech, Morocco.

Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman is poised to claim the prestigious African Player of the Year award, thanks to his outstanding performances throughout the year.

Lookman’s impressive display at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and provided two assists, has cemented his position as the top contender for the award.

His achievements surpass those of fellow nominees Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea), Ronwen Williams (South Africa), and Achraf Hakimi (Morocco).

A highlight of Lookman’s remarkable season was his hat-trick in the UEFA Europa Cup final, which propelled Atalanta FC to victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

With this impressive track record, Lookman is well-positioned to take home the coveted award.

If Lookman wins the award, Nigeria will become the second-most successful country in the award’s history, with seven titles.

Cameroon currently holds the record with 11 titles. A victory for Lookman will also see him take over from fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen, who won the award in 2023.

In addition to Lookman’s nomination, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is a strong contender for the Women’s Player of the Year award, while the Super Falcons are in the running for the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

Edo Queens are also nominated for the Women’s Club of the Year award.