It’s that time of year when the Confederation of African Football announces the prestigious ten-man shortlist for the CAF Player of the Year award.
Many African stars have enjoyed outstanding campaigns, and it will come as no surprise if Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are among the nominees.
Legendary Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also had a standout year in France, while Brahim Diaz shone for Real Madrid in Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco full-back Achraf Hakimi, Burkina Faso’s Edmond Tapsoba, and Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus will all hope to make the final list.
However, four Nigerian internationals have made exceptional contributions for both club and country this year, and they are firmly in the conversation for the CAF shortlist. Soccernet.ng highlights their achievements.
4. William Troost-Ekong
It’s rare to see a defender score three crucial goals at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and be named the tournament’s Best Player, but that’s exactly what William Troost-Ekong achieved when he captained Nigeria to a second-place finish at AFCON 2024 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Troost-Ekong scored in the 2-1 final loss to the hosts, becoming the first Nigerian defender to find the net in an AFCON final.
His five AFCON goals now make him Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in the tournament’s history, surpassing Stephen Keshi’s long-standing record of four.
Troost-Ekong’s tally of five AFCON goals is also a record for the most goals by a defender in the history of the competition.
When he was named the AFCON Best Player, he became the first defender to win the accolade since Cameroon’s Rigobert Song in 2002, breaking a 22-year streak.
Adding to his success, Troost-Ekong lifted the Greek Super League title with PAOK before moving to Saudi club Al-Kholood in the summer.
With these accomplishments, Troost-Ekong could follow in the footsteps of Sadio Mane, who won both the 2021 AFCON Best Player award and the CAF Player of the Year award later that year.
3. Victor Osimhen
Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen is Africa’s biggest football export to Europe at the moment and is widely regarded as one of the top strikers in the world.
It’s a given that Africa’s Most Valuable Footballer and the reigning CAF Player of the Year will make the final shortlist again this year.
Although Napoli struggled last season, Osimhen’s goalscoring numbers remained strong, and he played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final.
Since joining Galatasaray in September, the 25-year-old forward has set the Turkish Super Lig alight, further enhancing his reputation.
During the summer transfer window, Osimhen was the most talked-about African footballer, with several top European clubs vying for his signature.
As Africa’s most popular player at the moment, Osimhen is expected to be a top contender for the CAF Player of the Year award once again.
2. Victor Boniface
Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface has been instrumental for Bayer Leverkusen, where he continues to rise as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
Boniface had an exceptional 2023/2024 season, winning the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup.
In his debut season at Bayer, he netted 14 goals in the league and 21 in all competitions, despite being sidelined by injury for part of the campaign.
The 23-year-old is powerful, technical, and intelligent with his movement, making him one of Europe’s most promising forwards.
Winning the CAF Player of the Year award would cap an incredible year for him, and Boniface himself is confident in his chances.
“Probably between me and Lookman. I will go for myself as the African Footballer of the Year, I rate myself that high,” Boniface told Sporty TV. “If it’s just what we did last season, I’ll pick myself.”
1. Ademola Lookman
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman has had an outstanding year for both club and country, making him a clear favourite for the CAF Player of the Year award.
In the 2023/2024 season, the 26-year-old helped Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League and was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, becoming the first player to net a treble in a one-legged European final since 1969.
On 4 September 2024, Lookman became the first Atalanta player ever to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or, thanks to his performances for both Atalanta and Nigeria during their run to the AFCON final.
He was also included in the Europa League Team of the Season, alongside only Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the other African player.
Lookman was Nigeria’s joint-top scorer at AFCON 2024, alongside Troost-Ekong, and both were named in the Team of the Tournament.
After his Ballon d’Or nomination, Lookman is now the clear frontrunner for the CAF award, especially after being named Atalanta’s Player of the Month for September.
It would be the shock of the century if anyone beats Lookman to the CAF Player of the Year crown.
