The spotlight is firmly on Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to crown Africa’s finest football talents tonight in Marrakech, Morocco. The awards ceremony, hosted at the prestigious Palais des Congres, promises to be a star-studded affair celebrating exceptional achievements in African football.
Lookman is considered a strong contender for the African Footballer of the Year (men), with many tipping him to succeed fellow Nigerian Victor Osimhen, who won the award last year. The Atalanta star faces stiff competition from Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
This year has been remarkable for Lookman, whose standout performances have elevated both his club and country. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to their eighth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, contributing three goals and two assists.
His hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen secured the UEFA Europa Cup in May. Lookman has continued his stellar form, tallying 11 goals and five assists across 18 appearances this season, including a strike against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
In contrast, his competitors’ records have been less consistent. Simon Adingra impressed in Ivory Coast’s AFCON final win but lacks comparable club achievements. Guirassy’s efforts for Guinea and Borussia Dortmund have fallen short, while Hakimi’s contributions have been notable but not outstanding.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is vying for Player of the Year after a stellar year with Paris FC and the Super Falcons. She also aims to retain her Goalkeeper of the Year title. Other categories feature strong Nigerian representation, including Asisat Oshoala and Edo Queens.
