Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has made the final five-man shortlist for the 2024 African Player of the Year award, while teammate William Troost-Ekong has missed out.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the list on Monday ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled to take place in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman, who was previously nominated alongside Troost-Ekong in the 10-man longlist, has been recognised for his outstanding performances, particularly his role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph and Nigeria’s run to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He joins other finalists, including Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra (Brighton & Hove Albion), Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund), and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Despite Troost-Ekong’s pivotal contributions to Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, where he was named Player of the Tournament as the Super Eagles secured a second-place finish, he did not make the final cut.
Lookman who was speaking about his nomination in a recent interview, emphasised his focus and approach to the prestigious award.
“I don’t think I’m feeling any additional pressure. I’ve kept the same mindset and work ethic, which is doing my best on the pitch. I try to improve every day. If I can win the award, it will be special, most definitely. For me, my family, my people, and my country,” he said.
Lookman is now favourite to take home the award, succeeding teammate Victor Osimhen who won it last year.
