Ademola Lookman Emerges Favorite for 2024 CAF Player Award

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has emerged as the clear favorite for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, thanks to his standout Europa League performances with Atalanta and a Ballon d’Or nomination.

The Atalanta star made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his team’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season. Fans have shown immense support on social media since CAF released the ten nominees on Thursday night.

“Scoring three goals in a European final has made Ademola Lookman a favorite for African Player of the Year among fans worldwide,” wrote user Bala_The_Game_Changer on X.

Lookman, 27, has had an impressive year, with 11 goals and seven assists in 31 Serie A games for Atalanta. He also became the only African player nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “Seeing my name among the 30 Ballon d’Or candidates was surreal. Being the only African makes it even more special,” Lookman told France Football.

Many fans are calling for Lookman to be awarded the CAF title without question, with one user, @jujupunte, commenting, “They should just hand the award to Lookman in his sitting room.”

However, Lookman faces competition from compatriot William Troost-Ekong, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Algeria’s Amine Gouiri, among others. Some fans have expressed surprise over the absence of players like Victor Boniface and current title-holder Victor Osimhen from the nominee list, sparking a lively debate.

The CAF Awards 2024 will reveal the winner, with Lookman hoping to succeed Osimhen as Africa’s top player.