The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its nominees for the prestigious African Player of the Year award, with two Super Eagles stars earning spots on the shortlist, as reported by Soccernet.ng.
Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and Al Kholood defender William Troost-Ekong are among the ten best African players for 2023.
They are joined by DR Congo’s seasoned defender Chancel Mbemba, Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic full-back Achraf Hakimi, and Borussia Dortmund’s in-form striker Serhou Guirassy.
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𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 (𝗠𝗲𝗻) – 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝘀#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/1fhdmOay7a
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 24, 2024
Brighton & Hove Albion’s rising talent, Simon Adingra, who recently helped Côte d’Ivoire lift the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy, also makes the list. Alongside him are Bayer Leverkusen’s standout centre-back Edmond Tapsoba and Algeria’s skillful forward Amine Gouiri.
South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, also in contention for CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, earned a nomination, as did Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi, who plies his trade with Al Ain FC.
Osimhen, Boniface snubbed for African Player of the Year award
In a surprising turn, last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen, will not defend his crown. Osimhen became the first Nigerian in 24 years to win the award in 2022, and his omission is particularly unexpected after his strong showings for Napoli/Galatasaray and Nigeria at AFCON.
Another notable absentee is Victor Boniface, despite his remarkable debut season with Bayer Leverkusen, where his critical goals powered the team to a league and cup double.
Boniface’s omission, despite being named Bundesliga Rookie of the Year, is likely due to his injury-forced absence from AFCON 2023.
Lookman as favourite to win African Player of the Year award
With Osimhen and Boniface missing from the list, Lookman will be eager to make the most of his opportunity. The 26-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding year with Atalanta, shining in both Serie A and the Europa League.
One of his crowning achievements was a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing the title for the Italian side in May.
Lookman was also Nigeria’s joint-top scorer at AFCON 2023, where the Super Eagles claimed the silver medal.
Both Lookman and Troost-Ekong earned spots in the AFCON Team of the Tournament, with Troost-Ekong further honored as the competition’s Most Valuable Player.
