The CAF Awards 2024 are highly anticipated, where a new African Player of the Year (APOTY) will be crowned. Nigeria’s Super Eagles winger, Ademola Lookman, is primed to make CAF’s final three-man shortlist for the December 16 2024 award ceremony in Morocco, and the Atalanta forward remains a favourite among football lovers across Europe and Africa as a top contender for the APOTY 2024 title.
Completesports.com‘s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights six reasons why Lookman deserves to win the 2024 African Player of the Year award.
1. Europa League Winner
There is no doubt that Ademola Lookman had one of his best seasons with Atalanta, as he single-handedly led the team to the Europa League title, grabbing a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the final. This victory ended a 61-year drought for the club, cementing Lookman’s name in football history.
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The Nigeria international was a nightmare for Leverkusen’s defenders, dazzling for the entire 90 minutes and earning the Man of the Match award. His all-around impressive performance makes him stand out among other candidates vying for the APOTY Award.
2. Standout Performance at the 2023 AFCON
Despite the Super Eagles finishing as runners-up to Côte d’Ivoire at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman had an outstanding tournament, exceeding expectations.
The Atalanta star was Nigeria’s top scorer at the tournament, netting three goals. He scored in knockout round matches against Cameroon and Angola. Known for creating chances and converting them, Lookman was named among the best eleven players after the competition.
3. Only African Player Nominated for Ballon d’Or
The Super Eagles star has taken time to fulfil his potential, but 2024 has undoubtedly been his best year so far.
He netted 11 goals to help his Italian club Atalanta finish fourth in Serie A, securing a spot in this season’s UEFA Champions League. His hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen to lift the Europa League also inflicted the German club’s only defeat of the season.
This achievement makes Lookman the favourite to win the APOTY award.
4. Important Asset for Both Club and Country
Lookman’s commitment to both club and country is undeniable, as he consistently gives his best whenever he is on the field.
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The importance of a player in any team can be measured by the number of appearances they make and how much of a game-changer they are. Lookman’s consistent performances in high-stakes matches for both club and country, particularly his game-changing contributions, make him a strong contender for the APOTY award.
5. Exceptional Individual Qualities
Lookman’s individual qualities are unquestionable. His pace and dazzling skills on the ball make him a constant threat to defenders.
He has elevated his game, regularly taking on opposition players and finding his way out of seemingly impossible situations.
6. Goals… Goals… Goals
A notable attribute of Lookman is his ability to score at every opportunity. He carves out space, takes on players, and finishes with clinical precision.
His goals have been a driving force for both club and country, propelling them to new heights.
1 Comment
He deserves it his a player that plays with all his mind.