Nigeria Players Abroad
Wilfred Ndidi picks Ademola Lookman as favourite to win CAF POTY
By Monsurah Olatunji
As the anticipation builds for the prestigious annual African football award, numerous suggestions have emerged regarding the potential winner of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award.
Nigeria international and Napoli star, Victor Osimhen, currently holds the title following his outstanding performances for both club and country.
However, the competition this year has intensified, with other Nigerian stars also making strong cases for the award.
Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi has voiced his support for Ademola Lookman, despite the presence of formidable contenders like Osimhen and Victor Boniface. Ndidi’s endorsement underscores the remarkable achievements of Lookman this season.
Osimhen, the reigning champion, led Napoli to a historic Scudetto title last season, cementing his status as a top performer with his goal-scoring prowess. Nonetheless, this season has seen significant contributions from both Lookman and Boniface for their respective clubs.
Ademola Lookman had a stellar season with Atalanta, leading the club to their first-ever European glory and becoming the first player to score a hat trick in a Europa League final.
His 27-goal contribution in all competitions earned him Atalanta’s Best Player of the Season award. Additionally, Lookman played a crucial role in Nigeria’s success in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, where his three goals and an assist led the Super Eagles to the final and earned him a spot on the team of the tournament.
Lookman’s achievements were further recognized when he won the Best African International Footballer title at the Ghana Football Awards in Accra.
On the other hand, Victor Boniface, despite missing the AFCON due to injury, had an extraordinary season with Bayer Leverkusen.
He led the club to a domestic double, including their first Bundesliga title in 120 years, without losing a game. Boniface’s impressive record of 20 goals and 10 assists across 32 appearances in all competitions earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.
Ndidi acknowledged Osimhen’s strong candidacy but believes Lookman stands a better chance of winning the award this year.
“Though both he and Osimhen have done well for their clubs, I think Ademola (Lookman) stands a better chance,” Ndidi said as reported by ThisDay.
“In all honesty, I think Ademola (Lookman) stands a better chance of winning it.”
The competition for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award is fierce, with Lookman, Osimhen, and Boniface all making compelling cases.
As the world awaits the announcement, the debate over the deserving winner continues to heat up.
