Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen and captain William Troost-Ekong did not vote Ademola Lookman in their top three picks for the FIFA POTY Award, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman won the CAF Player of the Year on Monday. But just a day later, he was snubbed at the FIFA Awards, as he didn’t not get a single vote.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr emerged as the winner, while Manchester City star Rodri, who won the Ballon d’Or emerged second. English midfielder Jude Bellingham was third.
The FIFA Awards are always decided by votes from players, coaches, and journalists from all FIFA associated federations. All the voters are allowed to pick just three of the nominees, with specific points awarded to the first, second, and third picks.
Interestingly, even though Nigeria had three representatives －Eguavoen, Troost-Ekong, and a top journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Lookman did not get a single vote.
Coach Eguavoen voted Lionel Messi in first position, Vinicius Jnr. second, and Rodri third. Troost-Ekong voted Bellingham first, Vinicius Jnr second, and Rodri third. Then, Oluwashina voted Vinicius Jnr. first, Rodri second, and Bellingham third.
Everyone that was named in the top eleven got votes from their countries. Nonetheless, Lookman would still be happy, as he won the CAF Player of the Year award on Monday.
The Atalanta star will look to continue with his impressive performances and get more nominations for top Awards.