Ademola Lookman made a strong impression as a forward at the 2023 AFCON tournament, leading the Super Eagles as the top scorer with three goals.
Super Eagles striker Ademola Lookman has positioned himself as a top candidate to take over from Victor Osimhen as the CAF Player of the Year after Atalanta’s win against Olympique Marseille, according to Soccernet.ng.
Osimhen’s remarkable achievements during Napoli’s 2022-23 season, which included winning the Italian Serie A title and scoring numerous goals, garnered him the Player of the Year award.
In contrast, Lookman’s influential performances with Atalanta, notably leading them to the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League final in Dublin, have made him a strong contender for the same accolade.
How Lookman Became a Contender
Lookman’s candidacy for the CAF Player of the Year is supported by his outstanding contributions during the 2023-24 season. His accolades include securing a silver medal at the Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored three goals and provided an assist, and receiving an AFCON Man of the Match award.
Moreover, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s journey to the finals of both the Copa Italiana and the Europa League under coach Gian Gasperini. To date, Lookman has accumulated an impressive 12 goals and eight assists for Atalanta this season, strengthening his case for the prestigious award.
During the AFCON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, Lookman emerged as the leading scorer for the Super Eagles, coached by Jose Peseiro, contributing three goals and an assist.
Lookman’s Impact in Dublin
In a recent match against Olympique Marseille, Lookman’s performance was highlighted by his opening goal, where he skillfully maneuvered past multiple defenders to score.
This victory sets the stage for an intriguing final in Dublin on May 22, 2023, where Lookman will compete against his fellow countrymen, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, key players for Bayer Leverkusen, who recently triumphed over AS Roma.
