Former Nigeria international Ogenyi Onazi has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to recognise Ademola Lookman as the rightful recipient of the Player of the Year award.
He cautioned against a potential snub similar to Vinicius Junior’s recent Ballon d'Or disappointment, where weeks of speculation suggested victory for the Real Madrid star, only to see Rodri ultimately claim the prize.
Following Lookman's 14th-place finish in the Ballon d'Or 2024 ranking, Onazi firmly asserts that the Atalanta forward's exceptional talent and remarkable performances deserve to be recognised.
He emphasised that Lookman's contributions should not be overlooked, as they clearly warrant the highest accolades in African football.
Onazi champions Lookman’s case: A call for fair recognition in CAF awards
In a recent interview with Brila, the former Lazio player passionately endorsed Lookman as a leading contender for the CAF Player of the Year award.
“Lookman is an exceptional talent. His hard work, commitment, and discipline set him apart. I am thrilled with his achievements and his nomination for the Ballon d’Or, which is a testament to his quality,” Onazi said.
He further highlighted the need for CAF to recognise Lookman’s excellence.
“CAF should prepare the trophy for him; it’s not just about him being Nigerian, but because he truly is the finest player in Africa right now.
“His performance last season was phenomenal, and he deserves every recognition he gets. I would be quite disappointed if he doesn’t take home the award because there is simply no reasonable argument against it.”
Onazi, who represented the Super Eagles from 2012 to 2018, made 52 appearances and scored one goal during his international career. He was a member of the Nigerian team that triumphed in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
The CAF Awards are set to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.