Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has become the favorite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award following his remarkable performances with Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in a European club competition final and a Ballon d’Or nomination. Lookman made history last season by scoring three goals in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, a feat that has drawn widespread support from fans on social media since the CAF released its list of ten nominees.
Lookman, who tallied 11 goals and seven assists across 31 Serie A games, shared his excitement about the Ballon d’Or nod: “Seeing my name among the 30 Ballon d’Or candidates felt surreal, especially as the only African player on the list.”
The 27-year-old faces competition from fellow Nigerians William Troost-Ekong, as well as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Algeria’s Amine Gouiri. However, some fans have criticized the exclusion of in-form players like Victor Boniface and reigning CAF Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, sparking online debate.
The CAF Awards 2024 ceremony will reveal the winner, and Lookman hopes to succeed Osimhen as Africa’s top player.
