Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke has thrown his weight behind Ademola Lookman to become the next CAF Player of the Year winner.
In an interview with SportsBoom.com Amuneke, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 1994, Lookman’s rise to prominence is no surprise to him.
Lookman has been outstanding for both his Italian club Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The winger scored three goals to help the Eagles reach the 2023 AFCON final and was named in the Team of the Tournament.
He played a key role as Atalanta got to the final of the Coppa Italia where they lost 1-0 to Serie A giants Juventus.
But Lookman put up a world class performance in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen as he bagged a hat-trick to help his club to a 3-0 win.
He carried his club form to the Eagles and bagged a brace in the 3-0 win against Benin Republic and was unlucky to see his goal disallowed in the goalless draw with Rwanda.
His impressive performance for both club and country saw him nominated in the 30-man Balon d’Or shortlist. He is the only African who made the cut.
Speaking on the former Everton and Leicester forward’s displays, Amuneke said: “He’s in line (to be crowned CAF Player of the Year winner) if he continues the way he is doing.
“I watched the last game against Rwanda, and his performance was outstanding. It shows that he has been able to consolidate himself with African football.
“When I won it, I think Ikpeba won it again, and then Kanu. If a Nigerian win it next, it is definitely a joyous one. It’s a thing of great motivation that shows the future is bright for our young players.
“We need to continue to support our players, both in Europe and in our local leagues. We all need one another to form the ecological system that governs our football, for our football to strive.”
The 1994 AFCON and Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal winner, also commented on Victor Osimhen’s recent loan move to Galatasaray.
“Galatasaray is a big club, and it’s a good thing for Osimhen to be playing under a great coach who understands the importance of hard
work.”
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COMMENTS
He can never smell it. His gra gra will not help him. Not a team player
Madman you’re the reason why North looked cursed. What sense did you just make due to the fact that you don’t understand football. Is he selfish than Mbappe or Vinicius??? Aboki will always be aboki!!!
Why bring Aboki in this matter.
It’s his view, even though It seems off.
You could have made your point without condemning a whole region cuz of a person.