Mali legend Frederic Kanoute has tipped Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a top contender for the 2024 CAF Africa Player of the Year award, MySportDab Reports.
The accolade, previously secured by Victor Osimhen, who ended a 24-year wait for a Nigerian winner, is highly anticipated this year with Lookman emerging as a standout candidate.
Osimhen, recognized for his pivotal role in Napoli’s historic Scudetto win last year, remains a strong candidate for this year’s award.
His performance for the Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has further solidified his status. However, his compatriot, Ademola Lookman, has made a compelling case for himself after a stellar season with Atalanta.
Lookman’s hat-trick in the Europa League final was instrumental in securing Atalanta’s first-ever continental trophy. This remarkable achievement has placed him firmly in the spotlight, with many, including Kanoute, seeing him as a frontrunner for the prestigious award.
“I would say it is difficult to [name my top three African players]. I am thinking about Inaki Williams who had a fantastic season with Athletic Bilbao. It’s difficult for me to give names but maybe I will say Ademola Lookman, Mohamed Salah, and Inaki Williams,” Kanoute remarked, as quoted by 3 Sports.
Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams is also in the mix after an exceptional season in Spain. Williams netted 12 goals in La Liga and played a crucial role in Athletic Bilbao’s Copa del Rey victory, ending the club’s 40-year title drought.
His consistent performances have kept him in contention for the award.
Additionally, Nigerian international Victor Boniface has made a significant impact at Bayer Leverkusen.
Boniface’s contributions were vital as Leverkusen clinched both the Bundesliga and the German Cup titles, remaining unbeaten throughout the season and reaching the Europa League final.
With a lineup of remarkable talents, the race for the 2024 CAF Africa Player of the Year is set to be highly competitive. Lookman, Osimhen, Williams, and Boniface are all poised to make their mark, but only one will claim the coveted title.
