Osimhen puts pressure on CAF over 2024 Player of the Year award

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has thrown his support behind Ademola Lookman for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, tipping the Atalanta star to claim the gong.

Osimhen, who is the current holder of the award after his stellar 2023-2024 season with Napoli, believes the Atalanta forward has shown the quality and consistency needed to take the crown.

Lookman, 26, had an outstanding 2023-2024 campaign, playing a pivotal role for both club and country. His performances helped the Super Eagles reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria narrowly lost to hosts Ivory Coast.

Victor Osimhen puts pressure on CAF over 2024 Player of the Year award
Photo by IMAGO

He also starred for Atalanta in their Europa League triumph, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen to seal a 3-0 win and clinch the trophy.

Victor Osimhen confident of Lookman CAF Player of the Year triumph

Osimhen, who led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years, is confident that Lookman’s achievements have put him in pole position to succeed him as Africa’s best player.

“In terms of football, he deserves every good thing that comes his way because he's also a very good guy,” the Galatasaray striker told the Counter Attack Podcast.

Victor Osimhen puts pressure on CAF over 2024 Player of the Year award
Photo by IMAGO

“He's a passionate guy, he does his job diligently. I'm really happy for him, but of course we all know he's going to win the African Player of the Year. One hundred percent for sure, he will win it.

“I already told him he's bringing it home and he deserves it as he has done so well for us. It's a win for Nigeria because he has represented us well.”

Lookman boosted his claim with two goals in Nigeria’s 3-0 2025 AFCON qualifying win over Benin on Saturday, continuing an impressive year that could see him crowned the 2024 CAF Player of the Year.

Avatar photo

Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.