The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its final shortlist for the 2024 Player of the Year awards, with Nigerian talents Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie prominently featured.
Lookman’s Stellar Performance
Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward who captivated fans with a hat-trick in the Europa League final, has been shortlisted for the Men’s Player of the Year award. His contribution was also significant in the Super Eagles’ near victory at the 2023 AFCON, where they were runners-up to Cote d’Ivoire. Lookman will compete against formidable opponents like Ronwen Williams (South Africa), Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), and Serhou Guirassy (Guinea).
Nnadozie’s Double Pursuit
On the women’s side, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC is on a quest for a double honor. She’s a top contender to retain her title as Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year and is also vying for the Women’s Player of the Year award, facing off against Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda.
Team Nominations
Both the Nigerian men’s and women’s national teams have secured spots in the finals for the Team of the Year awards. The Super Eagles, AFCON 2023 runners-up, are up against Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa for the men’s category, while the Super Falcons are in the race with South Africa and Morocco for the women’s accolade.
Young Talent and Club Recognition
Adding to Nigeria’s presence, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu from Rivers Angels has been recognized in the Women’s Young Player of the Year category. She impressed at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring twice and assisting once. Additionally, Edo Queens from Nigeria have been shortlisted for the Women’s Club of the Year, contending with Asfar from Morocco and TP Mazembe from DR Congo.
Award Ceremony
The awards ceremony will take place on Monday in Marrakech, Morocco, where the new champions will be crowned. Current title holders are Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen for the men and Asisat Oshoala for the women, both of whom will watch closely to see if their compatriots can claim these prestigious titles.
