Former Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco striker Victor Ikpeba has backed Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a strong favorite to win the coveted 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, joins an elite list of African footballers vying for the title, thanks to a remarkable season with both his club and the Nigerian national team.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently revealed a 10-man shortlist for the prestigious award.
Lookman stands alongside several top African talents, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, Ivorian winger Simon Adingra of Brighton, Democratic Republic of Congo captain Chancel Mbemba, and Guinea’s forward Serhou Guirassy.
Other notable names in the lineup include Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong, Moroccan forward Sofiane Rahimi, South Africa’s star goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, Edmond Tapsoba from Burkina Faso, and Algerian forward Amine Gouiri.
Lookman, 27, has enjoyed a standout year in European football.
His crowning moment came when he scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy.
He further distinguished himself in international play during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, scoring three goals to help Nigeria reach the final.
Lookman’s remarkable season earned him a nomination for the Ballon d’Or, making him the only African player on the prestigious list.
Ikpeba, who won the CAF Player of the Year award in 1997, highlighted Lookman’s commitment and determination as key factors in his impressive season.
Speaking with SportsBoom.com, Ikpeba said, “It’s rare to see a player perform like Lookman did this year, not just with the goals, but with commitment, sacrifice, and character.” He added, “He’s by far the best player in Africa.
He had a fantastic season with his club, and scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final is no mean feat. He was excellent at AFCON as well.”
Despite Ikpeba’s enthusiasm for Lookman, the forward faces stiff competition, notably from his compatriot William Troost-Ekong.
The veteran defender was named MVP of the 2023 AFCON, where he led Nigeria to the final with two crucial goals.
Troost-Ekong also claimed the Greek Super League title with PAOK Salonika last season, adding weight to his case for the CAF award.
However, Ikpeba remains confident in Lookman’s chances: “Lookman has no rival.
There is nothing on earth that can stop him from winning the award this year,” he stated emphatically.
One surprise absence from the shortlist was Nigerian forward Victor Boniface, who, despite a standout season with Bayer Leverkusen, did not make the cut. Boniface scored 21 goals and contributed 10 assists across 34 appearances, winning a domestic double with Leverkusen and finishing as a Europa League finalist.
He was also named Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Year.
However, his exclusion from the AFCON squad due to injury may have impacted his chances for the CAF nomination.
“Boniface not playing at AFCON affected him, and he had his injury crisis.
But winning the double with Bayer is huge,” Ikpeba said, acknowledging the striker’s achievements.
It would have been nice to see him on the list or in the top three.”
Victor Osimhen’s triumph as the 2023 CAF Player of the Year ended a 25-year drought for Nigerian players, and Ikpeba is hopeful that Lookman or Troost-Ekong can continue the legacy with back-to-back titles for Nigeria.
It’s great to see Nigerian players winning the award back-to-back.
Osimhen is the current holder, and I hope Lookman can get it,” Ikpeba said. “I think Boniface, Osimhen, and Lookman will dominate the podium for some time if they maintain their current form.
They are showing top quality every week and are in their prime.”
The winner of the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award will be announced at the upcoming ceremony scheduled for December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.
With both Lookman and Troost-Ekong emerging as favorites, the event promises to be a defining moment for Nigerian football as the nation aims to clinch a historic second consecutive CAF Player of the Year title.
