Lookman, 2 other Nigerians nominated for Men’s CAF awards

William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali.jpg

Lookman, 2 other Nigerians nominated for Men’s CAF awards

The Confederation of African Football has released the list of nominees for its 2024 CAF Awards, and Nigeria received four nominations in three categories.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is a big talking point as he surprisingly misses out on the 10-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year

The Super Eagles had two nominations in the Men’s Best category, including top favourite Ademola Lookman and captain William Troost-Ekong. The award ceremony will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, for the third successive year, as earlier confirmed by the organisation. Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala won their awards in the same venue in 2023.

Four Nigerians who received nominations.

1. Ademola Lookman

As expected, Atalanta and Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman was named in the 10-man shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year after a remarkable year for club and country. He is the leading favourite to win the award, with PSG and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi likely to challenge.

2. William Troost-Ekong

Not many expected Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong to be in the running for the award, but after winning the AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament in a year that the award leans towards the championship, he deservedly received his nomination.

3. Stanley Nwabali

Nwabali rose to the ranks of the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at AFCON 2023 and produced strings of impressive performances, including the penalty heroics against South Africa in the semifinal. The Chippa United goalie is up against local South African rival Williams and others.

4. Super Eagles

The Nigerian senior men’s national team was nominated for the Team of the Year. This is a category highly doubtful of coming home. AFCON 2023 winners Ivory Coast could be coasting home with this already. If only we had defeated them on February 11.