Ademola Lookman and Troost-Ekong nominated for CAF Africa Player of the Year

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigerian duo Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have been shortlisted for the 2024 CAF Africa Player of the Year award, recognizing their outstanding performances over the past year.

Both players made significant contributions during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, where Troost-Ekong was named Most Valuable Player after scoring three goals in six appearances, helping lead the Super Eagles to a second-place finish.

Lookman also shone, netting three goals and providing two assists in seven matches. Notably, he became the first player to score a hat trick in a European competition final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to clinch the 2024 Europa League trophy.

Despite battling injuries during the AFCON, Troost-Ekong demonstrated exceptional leadership in defense, missing only one group game against Guinea-Bissau. He returned to play every minute of Nigeria’s thrilling journey to the final, scoring a powerful header along the way.

Atalanta’s Lookman averaged 0.39 goals per game last season, totaling 17 goals in 39 appearances, along with three assists.

The Nigerian pair will compete for the CAF Africa Player of the Year award against notable players including Achraf Hakimi, Soufiane Rahimi, Rowen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, Simon Adingra, Chancel Mbemba, Amine Gouri, and Edmond Tapsoba.

Victor Osimhen, who now plays for Galatasaray, won the 2023 CAF Africa Player of the Year, ending Nigeria’s long wait for this prestigious individual honor.