DR Congo international Cédric Bakambu has insisted that Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman deserves to win this year’s African Men’s Player of the Year award ahead of Mohamed Salah.
Lookman made the final shortlist for the award due to his impressive performances for club and country in 2024.
The 27-year-old attacker scored 17 goals and registered 11 assists for his club during the 2023-2024 campaign, with the bulk of those contributions coming in 2024, including a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final to help Atalanta clinch their first European title.
On the international front, Lookman scored three goals for Nigeria, helping them reach the AFCON 2023 final. He also netted twice in the recently concluded AFCON qualifiers, bringing his total tally to five for the year.
Salah, on the other hand, has been in fine form for Liverpool. The explosive forward has been a key player in Arne Slot’s high-flying side, currently topping both the Premier League and Champions League standings.
While the 32-year-old winger did not make the final shortlist of five CAF Player of the Year nominees, Denis Lavagne suggested he is the most deserving candidate to be crowned Africa’s best for 2024.
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Bakambu drums support for Ademola Lookman
However, Bakambu, despite recognising Salah’s form, chose Lookman as the most deserving player to win the award.
“It’s difficult because now Mohamed Salah is playing very well, but if I have to choose, in my opinion, I’ll say Lookman, the player of Atalanta.
“He deserves it, but after, we will see,” the Real Betis striker told the Sporty Show.
Lookman has continued his incredible form this season, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists for La Dea across all competitions, including a match-winning goal against AC Milan on Friday that sent Atalanta top of Serie A.
