Super Eagles legend, Nwankwo Kanu, has singled out Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman for special praise, describing him as the standout African Player of the Year.
Lookman had a fine 2023/24 season during which he helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024), climaxing with a historic, match-winning performance for his club, Atalanta, in the UEFA Europa League final.
The Nigerian forward finished the 2023/24 campaign with 33 goal involvements for club and country; he has started this term in similarly fine form, with seven goals and five assists in just 11 games already to his name.
With impressive performances for both club and country, the 27-year-old has earned recognition on the global stage, including a notable Ballon d'Or ranking. Kanu, who knows a thing or two about excellence on the football field, believes Lookman is in a class of his own this year.
Kanu highlights Lookman’s consistency and impact for club and country
Reflecting on Lookman's standout season, Kanu lauded Lookman for his exceptional performances over the past year, calling him “a very good player” who combines humility with hard work.
He further noted Lookman's impressive Ballon d'Or ranking of 14th, stating that the former Everton man has been one of the most consistent African players of the year.
“Lookman is a very good player, humble, works very hard and going by the records, I believe he will win, Kanu said as per Brila.
“He was ranked well in the Ballon d’Or (14th). He has done well for both club and country. I don’t know of any African player who has done better than him this year.”
Kanu, who represented the Super Eagles from 1994 to 2011, made 86 appearances and scored 12 goals during his international career. He was a key member of the Nigerian squad that finished as runners-up in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The CAF Awards are set to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.
