Cédric Bakambu, the DR Congo international currently playing for Real Betis, has expressed his strong belief that Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman deserves to be named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year.
Despite the remarkable form of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Bakambu has tipped Lookman for the prestigious award.
Lookman, who enjoyed a standout season with Atalanta in 2023/24, played a key role in helping his side lift the UEFA Europa League trophy.
His stellar performances also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
This recognition has earned him a place among the nominees for the African Footballer of the Year award, where he faces competition from players such as Simon Adingra of Côte d’Ivoire, Serhou Guirassy of Guinea, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Despite Salah’s exceptional achievements at club level, where he has scored 13 goals in 14 matches and helped Liverpool secure the 2023/24 English League Cup, many were left surprised by his omission from the list of nominees.
Salah’s absence from the shortlist has raised questions, particularly given his dominance in the Premier League.
Bakambu, however, remains firm in his belief that Lookman is deserving of the accolade.
It’s difficult because Mohamed Salah is playing very well, but if I have to choose, my opinion, I’ll say Lookman, the player of Atalanta.
He deserves it but after we will see,” Bakambu said in an interview on the Sporty Show.
The 2024 CAF Awards will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, on December 16, where the continent’s top footballing talent will be recognised.
The event will be an exciting culmination to a year of stellar performances across African football, with Lookman among those hoping to claim one of the sport’s highest honours.
