CAF Award: Ademola Lookman makes Final Shortlist For Men’s player of the year

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has been shortlisted for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, cementing his place among Africa’s finest football talents.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the final five nominees on Thursday, December 12, with Lookman in contention alongside Simon Adingra, Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Ronwen Williams.

 

Lookman’s nomination comes on the back of an extraordinary year for both club and country. The Atalanta star shone brightly at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire, scoring three goals and providing an assist in seven games for Nigeria. His efforts were pivotal in helping the Super Eagles secure a semifinal berth at the tournament.

 

At the club level, the 27-year-old was instrumental in Atalanta’s campaign, most notably netting a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final—a feat that etched his name in the competition’s history.

His performances have been consistently impressive this season, with 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances across all competitions under manager Gian Piero Gasperini. Lookman’s standout display in Atalanta’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid further solidified his status as one of Europe’s top performers.

 

Lookman will aim to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Victor Osimhen, who clinched the prestigious award last year. The winner will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony, set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16.