I hope CAF Best Player comes back to Nigeria – Says Galatasaray’s Osimhen

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has hailed Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman for his impressive performance for his club and country, Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Everton forward was honoured by the Nigerian national team for winning the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award.

On the eve of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Lookman was celebrated by his teammates and coaching crew during the team’s dinner.

In a video shared on social media, the Super Eagles presented Lookman with a cake boldly inscribed “King of Africa,” while Osimhen took centre stage to deliver an emotional message to Liverpool’s target.

“First of all, we all know Lookman deserves this,” Osimhen said. “He has been amazing for both his club and also for the Super Eagles. It’s a great privilege that this award came to Nigeria and went to the most deserved person. I am proud of you, [Ademola Lookman]. We speak in private a lot of times, and I told you how proud I am for deciding to play for the Super Eagles. Your hard work and dedication show you deserve to be the African Best.”

Lookman, who helped Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League with a stunning hat-trick in the final, made it a back-to-back victory for Nigeria after succeeding Osimhen–who won it in 2024–to win the prestigious CAF award.

Osimhen, who is officially Nigeria’s second-highest goal scorer, expressed hope that more Nigerian players will follow in Lookman’s footsteps in the coming years.

“I also hope it comes back to Nigeria,” he added. “The likes of [Victor] Boniface, Samuel [Chukwueze], all of us.”

The celebration comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for a must-win encounter against Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Away from the celebration, Eric Chelle’s troops will be hoping for a victory.