Nigerian footballers Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have been shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award, joining a list of ten exceptional players competing for the honor.
Lookman, a dynamic winger, had an outstanding year on both the club and international stages. The 27-year-old made a significant impact at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire, netting three goals in seven appearances for Nigeria. His contributions didn’t stop there—he played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s triumph in the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a memorable hat-trick in the 3-0 final win against Bayer Leverkusen, securing the Italian club’s historic victory.
Troost-Ekong, a commanding presence in defense, also had a standout year. The centre-back was named Player of the Tournament at AFCON 2023 for his solid performances that anchored Nigeria’s defense, further boosting his case for the coveted award.
Victor Boniface and reigning titleholder Victor Osimhen were notably absent from the final selection.
The ten-man shortlist highlights a significant North African presence, featuring Morocco’s defensive stars Achraf Hakimi and Sofiane Rahimi, as well as Algeria’s Amine Gouiri. Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra is included after an impressive club season, while DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy have earned their spots through remarkable performances this year.
Others are Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco, where the African football community will gather to celebrate the continent’s finest talents.
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen won the last edition of the CAF Men’s Player of the Year, and fans will be eager to see if another Nigerian can claim the top prize this year.
