Super Eagles stars Ademola Lookman and William Troost Ekong have been nominated for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award for 2024. The nomination highlights the strong performances of both players, with Lookman and Ekong among the 10 finalists announced by CAF. Surprisingly, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, despite his standout contributions to a league and cup double for his club, did not make the list.
Additionally, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is in the running for Goalkeeper of the Year, following his impressive displays during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire. The Super Eagles themselves have also been shortlisted for the National Team of the Year award, affirming the team’s strong showing on the international stage.
This year’s CAF Awards ceremony is set to take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, in December. Current African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, and Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, are both Nigerian players, underscoring Nigeria’s strong presence in African football.
Editorial
The CAF African Player of the Year nomination for Ademola Lookman and William Troost Ekong is well deserved recognition for the duo’s exceptional performances over the past season. With Nigerian football talent consistently making waves across Europe and beyond, these nominations serve as a testament to the strength and quality within the Super Eagles squad.
Lookman has been a revelation in recent seasons, delivering consistently impressive performances that have made him a key figure in both his club and national team setups. Troost Ekong, with his solid defensive skills, continues to be a pillar of strength for Nigeria, and his nomination is a reflection of his leadership and resilience.
The Bet9ja promotion code for January 2025 is YOHAIG. Bet9japromotioncode.com.ng has more info about the Bet9ja promotion code 2025 in Nigeria. Follow this link for more - https://www.bet9japromotioncode.com.ng/. This Bet9ja promo code gives a Bet9ja welcome bonus of up to ₦100,000 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit to bet is ₦100! USE the Bet9ja login signup and the Bet9ja bonus code to get started today on the Bet9ja website. Bet9ja offers a 170 per cent multiple boost bonus and a free bet for either Bet9ja sport or Bet9ja casino. To open a Bet9ja account and be a Bet9ja customer, you must go through the registration process here. Terms and conditions apply when you register with Bet9ja to get the bonus.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
However, the omission of Victor Boniface from the list raises questions, given his stellar contributions to Bayer Leverkusen’s successful campaign. Recognising players like Boniface would not only highlight individual achievement but also celebrate the growing influence of African players in top European leagues.
As we look forward to the CAF Awards in December, the nominations of Lookman, Ekong, and Nwabali should inspire aspiring Nigerian footballers and reinforce the Super Eagles’ reputation on the African continent. Nigerian players are setting benchmarks across various leagues, and the country’s strong representation in CAF’s award categories is a reflection of this quality.
Did You Know?
- Victor Osimhen is the current African Player of the Year and one of Nigeria’s leading international stars.
- Stanley Nwabali’s nomination follows a remarkable season where he excelled as Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper.
- CAF introduced the African Player of the Year award in 1970, with Mali’s Salif Keita being the first recipient.
- Marrakesh, Morocco, has hosted several major African football events, including past CAF Awards ceremonies.
- Nigeria has produced numerous African Player of the Year winners, including Nwankwo Kanu and Emmanuel Amunike.
