The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed its final shortlist for the prestigious African Player of the Year award, with Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman among the standout nominees.
The announcement on Monday highlighted a competitive field of five top African footballers vying for the coveted honor.*
Lookman, who has enjoyed a remarkable season with Atalanta, is joined by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Morocco’s defensive star Achraf Hakimi, Ivory Coast winger Simon Adingra, and Guinea’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy.
The talented five are set to compete for the title of Africa’s best male footballer, with each player having made significant contributions for their respective clubs and national teams.
Lookman’s inclusion in the shortlist comes on the back of his stunning performance in the UEFA Europa League final last season, where he scored a memorable hat-trick to help Atalanta defeat Bayer Leverkusen 3-0.
The Nigerian forward’s form in European competition has seen him emerge as a favorite for the award, with many experts tipping him to claim the title.
While Lookman is a prominent contender, other nominees have also made waves on the continental stage. Hakimi continues to shine as one of Europe’s top defenders with Paris Saint-Germain, while Guirassy has been in sensational form for Stade Rennais in Ligue 1. Adingra, too, has impressed with his pace and creativity on the wing for Club Brugge.
Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s other star forward, claimed the 2023 African Player of the Year award after an outstanding season with Napoli, where he helped the Italian club secure their first Serie A title in over three decades.
Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray on loan for the current season has not diminished his status as one of Africa’s most prominent talents.
