December 15, (THEWILL) – Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, has emerged as a standout candidate for the Men’s African Footballer of the Year award, with compelling reasons supporting his nomination. His remarkable achievements with Atalanta in Italy and the Nigerian national team clearly puts him ahead of his contemporaries.
The highlight of Lookman’s year was his extraordinary performance in the UEFA Europa League final. In a breathtaking 26-minute spell, he scored a historic hat-trick against the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen, earning Atalanta its first continental title since 1963. This achievement also made him the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final since 1975 – a feat that immediately set him apart from other nominees.
During the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Lookman proved equally impressive. He was the creative heartbeat of the Nigerian national team, scoring crucial goals that propelled the Super Eagles to the final of the tournament. His double against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and a decisive winner against Angola in the quarter-finals demonstrated his ability to perform under significant pressure.
In Serie A, Lookman maintained an exceptional standard of performance. He contributed directly to 18 goals in the previous season and continued his form into the current campaign, registering 12 goals and assists in just 12 matches.
In a significant global recognition, he was nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or, finishing as the highest-ranked African player in the 2024 awards. His impressive 14th place in the final standings underscores his status as one of the top players in the world and highlights the significant impact he has made on the global stage. His consistent brilliance earned him Atalanta’s Player of the Season Award and inclusion in the Europa League Team of the Year.
When comparing Lookman to other nominees, his achievements stand out significantly. Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, despite winning a league-and-cup double with Paris Saint-Germain, did not match Lookman’s historical impact. Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy scored 28 goals in the Bundesliga, but failed to secure silverware and struggled with injuries. Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra showed promise during AFCON but lacked Lookman’s consistency in club football.
Lookman’s playing style draws interesting comparisons with the Nigerian-English Arsenal star Bukayo Saka. While Saka is known for his versatility and tactical intelligence, Lookman excels with explosive pace, exceptional dribbling, and creativity in attacking positions. Both players can change game dynamics, but Lookman’s recent European and international performances give him a distinct edge.
The broader context of Nigerian football adds depth to Lookman’s story. Nigeria’s fortunes in the African Player of the Year awards have been notably positive in recent years, especially with Victor Osimhen winning the award last year. This marks a significant moment for Nigerian football, as it highlights the resurgence of talent within the country. The back-to-back recognition of Nigerian players at this prestigious level is a source of pride and optimism, contrasting sharply with the often negative narratives surrounding Nigeria in the media. The success of players like Lookman and Osimhen serve as a reminder of the potential that still exists within the nation, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes.
This positive narrative surrounding Nigerian football can be replicated across other sectors in the country..
With the Confederation of African Football set to announce the winner of the African Footballer of the Year award this Monday, December 16, 2024, it is crucial that it recognises the outstanding contributions of Lookman. The integrity of the voting process must be upheld, ensuring that the most deserving candidate is honoured. It is essential for CAF to avoid the pitfalls of political favoritism that have marred other institutions, such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria, which has faced criticism for not allowing the democratic process to function as intended. I therefore urge CAF to prioritise merit and performance over political considerations, ensuring that the award reflects the true spirit of African football.
The potential recognition would represent more than a personal achievement. It would signal the continued growth of African football, highlighting the continent’s capacity to produce world-class talent capable of competing at the highest international levels. For Lookman, this award would be a fitting recognition of an extraordinary year. His journey represents the best of modern football: talent, determination, humility and the ability to excel across different competitions and challenges.
It is my view that Lookman’s performances have not just been impressive; they have been transformative, setting a new standard for what African footballers can achieve on the global stage.
