News

Kanu cites two key reasons why Nigeria & Atalanta’s Lookman will win Africa’s Best Player award

Legendary Nigerian forward Nwankwo Kanu believes that Ademola Lookman is set to be crowned Africa’s Footballer of the Year, citing two compelling reasons for his confidence, Soccernet.ng reports.

Kanu, who won the prestigious award twice — once in 1996 and again in 1999 — was the last Nigerian to receive the honour before Victor Osimhen claimed it last year.

This year, Lookman and Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong, are the only Nigerian players on CAF’s final ten-man shortlist for Africa’s Best Player award, with Osimhen not in the running.

Lookman is competing with nine other nominees, but Kanu sees the Atalanta winger as the standout candidate for the top prize.

Kanu pointed to Lookman’s impressive 14th-place finish in the Ballon d’Or ranking as well as his exploits for Nigeria and Atalanta as strong indicators of his merit.

Lookman was the only African player among the Ballon d’Or’s 30 finalists, an achievement Kanu sees as a testament to his excellence.

“Lookman is a very good player, humble, works very hard and going by the records, I believe he will win,” Kanu told Brila FM as per DailyPost.

“He was ranked well in the Ballon d’Or (14th). He has done well for both club and country.”

Ademola Lookman

The 27-year-old Lookman had a stellar year, leading Nigeria to the AFCON final and helping Atalanta secure the Europa League title.

Kanu praised his achievements both at the club and international levels, stating,

“I don’t know of any African player who has done better than him this year.”

The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, December 16, when Africa’s top football talents will be honoured.

Imhons Erons

Share
Published by
Imhons Erons

Recent Posts

Gabriel Osho, Sadiq Umar in, Awoniyi, Tanimu out as Augustine Eguavoen unveils squad for AFCON qualifiers against Benin and Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Augustine Eguavoen has unveiled his squad list for the upcoming 2025… Read More

10 hours ago

Nigeria squad for Benin, Rwanda: Who’s out & who’s in doubt as Super Eagles look to secure AFCON 2025 spot

The Nigerian men's national football team will be back in action later this month for… Read More

11 hours ago

Watch: “Money on my mind”- Rafael Leao and Chukwueze vibe to Asake’s song after big win over Real Madrid

AC Milan star Rafael Leao shared videos of himself and Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze… Read More

12 hours ago

Rwanda include three USA-based stars in 30-man Amavubi killer squad for Nigeria, Libya AFCON qualifiers

The Rwanda Football Federation has released a 30-man squad for the upcoming 2025 African Cup… Read More

12 hours ago

Path to Turkey! Young star Sebastian Flourish joins Tosin Demehin and Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray

Following an impressive performance at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Nigerian sensation Sebastian… Read More

13 hours ago

“Very poor in the final third” – Former Manchester City goalkeeper questions Alonso’s use of Boniface in Leverkusen’s 0-4 to Liverpool

Former Manchester City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper, Shay Given, has revealed he was left… Read More

14 hours ago