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Former Nigeria international, Peter Osaze Odemwingie has thrown his full support behind Ademola Lookman to win the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award.
CAF recently revealed the final shortlist for the 2023/2024 award, featuring Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface alongside Moroccan star, Brahim Diaz.
Victor Boniface scores during the UEFA Champions League match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AC Milan at BayArena. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
In an interview with Brila.net, Odemwingie expressed confidence in Lookman’s chances, citing the forward’s remarkable achievements for both club and Country last season.
“Playing for Real Madrid is a statement on its own, but Lookman at the moment is judged according to his great potential for the future.
“He is productive, scoring goals and doing well in his club side. I don’t know the exact criteria but in football, they say you’re only as good as your last game.”
Brahim Diaz celebrates scoring during the match between Real Madrid CF and Villarreal CF. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman had an extraordinary 2023/2024 season with Atalanta, where he emerged as one of the club’s key players.
He scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s run to two finals.
His standout moment came in the Europa League final, where he scored a hat-trick to end Bayer Leverkusen’s season-long unbeaten streak, and securing Atalanta’s first-ever European silverware.
Lookman became the first player in history to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, cementing his legacy.
Unsurprisingly, he was named Atalanta’s Player of the Year.
In addition to his club performances, Lookman shone on the international stage.
During the Africa Cup of Nations in February, he stepped up for a struggling Nigerian side, scoring three crucial goals to help the Super Eagles reach the final.
Meanwhile, Victor Boniface has been another standout Nigerian player this season.
The Leverkusen striker was instrumental in his club’s successes, contributing to victories in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup.
Victor Boniface holding the trophy and celebrates the win with the team after the DFB Cup Final match between 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Olympiastadion. (Photo by Jörg Schüler/Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images)
Despite missing the AFCON in February due to injury, his performances throughout the season earned him a deserved spot on the shortlist.
Odemwingie believes Nigeria has a strong chance of clinching the award once again, with Lookman leading the charge.
“The players on the list have great potential, but I just hope Nigeria get it. Lookman, particularly because of his AFCON performance and also his performance in the Europa, he is the front-runner.”
The winner of the CAF African Player of the Year award will be announced at a ceremony in Marrakesh, this December.
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