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.”
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.