Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has openly expressed his surprise at being left off the shortlist for the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award, questioning the selection choices made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The 23-year-old Senegal international, who has been a standout performer for Chelsea this season, did not hide his disappointment upon seeing the list of nominees.
Jackson’s contributions in the Premier League have been pivotal for Chelsea, with the forward netting five goals and providing three assists in his first eight league appearances this season.
His form has earned him praise among fans and analysts alike, as he has proven instrumental in Chelsea’s strong performances in domestic and European competitions.
Last season, Jackson scored 14 goals in his debut season in England, helping Chelsea secure a place in the UEFA Conference League.
After CAF unveiled the list of nominees, renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano voiced surprise on social media, noting the exclusion of several high-profile players, including Jackson, Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Brahim Diaz, and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface.
In response, Jackson himself took to social media, tagging CAF’s official X (formerly Twitter) account and asking, “What happened?” The post reflected the sentiments of many fans who felt the nominees overlooked some of Africa’s best performers in Europe.
Jackson’s response echoes the disappointment of many Senegalese and Chelsea supporters, who viewed his consistent performances as worthy of recognition.
His impact on the field has been evident, with his ability to create and finish goalscoring opportunities making him a valuable asset to Chelsea’s attacking lineup.
For Senegal, too, Jackson has shown promise, representing his national team with flair and ambition.
Fans had hoped his international exploits would secure him a spot among Africa’s elite.
Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward and Nigerian international, is considered one of the frontrunners for the 2024 award after a stellar season.
Lookman’s impressive year saw him contribute significantly to Atalanta’s success and Nigeria’s strong AFCON campaign.
The current holder of the award, Victor Osimhen, was recognized in 2023 for his standout performances with Napoli and the Nigerian national team.
CAF’s African Player of the Year award remains one of the continent’s most prestigious accolades, celebrating African players excelling on both domestic and international stages.
The absence of players like Jackson, Salah, and others has sparked discussions on social media, with fans and football analysts debating the criteria and selection process.
The winner of the CAF African Player of the Year award will be revealed on December 16, 2024, in a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
