CAF Awards 2024: Osimhen’s congratulatory message to Lookman resurfaces amidst controversy

By Monsurah Olatunji

Ademola Lookman was crowned CAF Player of the Year 2024 on Monday night in Morocco, succeeding his teammate Victor Osimhen.

While many have criticized Osimhen for not publicly acknowledging Lookman’s achievement following his coronation, it has now emerged that the Napoli striker had congratulated his teammate well before the official announcement.

Weeks ago, in an interview, Osimhen had expressed his support for Lookman, with the message now circulating widely on social media.

“Lookman knows my thoughts towards him, I spoke with him in person, and of course, he’s a clear favorite to win it,” Osimhen said, as reported by Oga Nla Media.

“I told him to enjoy it with his family because I know how he struggled to get to where he is. It will be a big moment.

“It will be an overwhelming one for him to be named African Footballer of the Year. Definitely a reward for hard work and a delicious result for all he’s done this season.”

Osimhen further praised Lookman for his performances, adding, “He has impressed us, he has really put us on the map, he has given us some bragging rights, knowing fully well that he is from Nigeria. For me, he really deserves this moment, I already congratulated him a few months back.”

The two players share a close bond and have a strong relationship with many of their Super Eagles teammates. Lookman has previously mentioned that Osimhen speaks Yoruba with him when they meet on international duty, further underscoring the camaraderie between the two Nigerian