As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony unfolds today in Marrakech, Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has voiced its unwavering support for Nigerian football stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie. Both players are strong contenders for top honors in the men’s and women’s Player of the Year categories, respectively. Nigeria is also in the running for seven awards at this prestigious event.
Lookman’s Road to the Men’s Player of the Year
In the tightly contested men’s category, 27-year-old Ademola Lookman faces competition from four other nominees:
- Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast / Brighton)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund)
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)
The NFF has thrown its full support behind Lookman, highlighting his impressive achievements throughout the year. In a statement titled, “2024 CAF Awards: Lookman is the man, whichever way you look at it!” NFF’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, outlined Lookman’s credentials, emphasizing his standout performances for both club and country.
“All things being equal, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman should be crowned the African Player of the Year at Monday evening’s 2024 CAF Awards at the Palais des Congrés in the Moroccan city of Marrakech,” Olajire stated.
Lookman’s remarkable achievements include:
- Three goals and two assists that propelled Nigeria to their eighth AFCON final in Ivory Coast.
- A hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen to claim the UEFA Europa League title.
- Scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances for Atalanta this season, including a crucial goal against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
- Contributing two goals during Nigeria’s qualification for the 35th AFCON finals, with two additional goals controversially disallowed.
Nnadozie Shines in Women’s Categories
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, is vying for two honors at the CAF Awards:
- Women’s Player of the Year
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Nnadozie’s competition in the Player of the Year category includes:
- Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)
- Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride)
The NFF praised Nnadozie’s exceptional year, noting her instrumental role in:
- Helping Nigeria secure qualification for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after a 16-year absence.
- Leading the Super Falcons to the 2024 AFCON.
- Delivering stellar performances for her French club, Paris FC, which earned her rave reviews globally.
If Nnadozie clinches the Player of the Year award, she will follow in the footsteps of compatriot Asisat Oshoala, who has won the title six times, including in 2023.
National Teams and Rising Stars in the Spotlight
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Super Falcons are contenders for the National Team of the Year award. The Super Eagles face competition from:
- Ivory Coast (2023 AFCON winners)
- South Africa
The Super Falcons are up against:
- Morocco
- South Africa’s Banyana Banyana
Additionally, Falconets and Rivers Angels forward, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, has been shortlisted for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award. She competes with:
- Habiba Sabry (FC Masar)
- Doha El Madani (AS FAR)
Okwuchukwu’s standout moments include her two goals and one assist during Nigeria’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign, where the Falconets reached the round of 16.
Nigeria’s History at the CAF Awards
If Lookman and Nnadozie win in their respective categories, it will mark the third time Nigeria has produced winners of both awards in the same year. The previous instances were:
- 1999: Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh
- 2023: Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala
Anticipation Builds
The 2024 CAF Awards promise to be a landmark event, with Nigeria’s stars poised to shine on the continental stage. Victories for Lookman and Nnadozie would not only highlight their individual brilliance but also underscore Nigeria’s enduring legacy in African football.
