Tremendous Eagles ahead Ademola Lookman has emerged as the overpowering favorite for the 2024 CAF Participant of the Pace award following his ancient and notable Europa League exploits with Atalanta and a Ballon d’Or nomination, PUNCH Sports activities Remaining experiences.
The Atalanta megastar, who made historical past as the primary participant to attain a hat-trick in a Ecu membership festival ultimate all over his membership’s conquer Bayer Leverkusen ultimate season, has been getting immense backing from fanatics on social media since CAF introduced the names of the 10 nominees on Thursday night time.
“Being the first player in history to score three goals in a European final makes Ademola Lookman a favourite among football fans worldwide for the African Player of the Year award,” Bala_The_Game_Changer wrote on X.
The 27-year-old’s nomination comes as disagree amaze following a phenomenal yr that still noticed him ranking 11 objectives and rendered seven assists in 31 Serie A video games for Atalanta and become the one African participant nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“I thought it was crazy when I saw my name in the 30 candidates for the Ballon d’Or. Being the only African player on the list makes it even more special,” Lookman advised France Soccer not too long ago.
Some fanatics imagine the award must be passed to him with out rite, with @jujupunte pointing out, “All these are not necessary. They’re supposed to take the award straight to Lookman in his sitting room.”
The Nigeria global faces festival from compatriot William Troost-Ekong and 8 alternative nominees, together with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Algeria’s Amine Gouiri.
“This award is undisputed for Ademola Lookman… Even the other nine know this,” Maximus Dex wrote on X.
Then again, the exclusion of in-form striker Victor Boniface and flow holder Victor Osimhen from the shortlist has sparked a debate amongst fanatics.
“Must be a joke. How did Boniface not make this list? Ademola Lookman will win, though, but Boniface has to be on the list. What is the criteria?” MSN wondered on X.
The winner will likely be introduced on the next CAF Awards 2024, the place Lookman hopes to prevail Osimhen as Africa’s lead participant.