Ademola Lookman has been recognised as one of the final five nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Gatekeepers News reports that the African football governing body announced the nominees through a tweet on Monday.
Lookman is the sole Nigerian player included in this elite group, while William Troost-Ekong, initially named in the 10-player list, did not advance to the final selection.
The other nominees in the top five alongside Lookman are Achraf Hakimi, Simon Adingra, Ronwen Williams, and Serhou Guirassy.
During the 2023/24 season, Lookman showcased exceptional performance for both his club, Atalanta, and the Nigerian national team. He scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions, contributing to Atalanta’s strong showing in Serie A.
He scored a hat trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to its first European title. Lookman was also a key player for Nigeria during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cote d’Ivoire, where he netted three goals and helped the Eagles secure a silver medal. His performance earned him a spot in the tournament’s best XI alongside captain William Troost-Ekong.
In addition to his achievements, Lookman was ranked the 14th best player in the world at the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, making him the only African player to feature in the top 30. He has been considered a strong contender for the upcoming award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
In other related categories, Stanley Nwabali has been nominated for the goalkeeper of the year award, while Nigeria is competing for the national team of the year accolade, alongside contenders such as Ivory Coast, Morocco, South Africa, and several others.
