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.
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.
“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.