The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently unveiled the final shortlist for its prestigious 2024 CAF Awards, with Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali among the nominees. The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco. While Lookman and Nwabali have earned spots in the coveted Player of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year categories, respectively, Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong surprisingly did not make the final cut.
The CAF Awards shortlist follows an initial release of a longer list three weeks ago, highlighting the top African talents across multiple categories. As anticipation builds for the event, Nigerian football fans will be closely watching to see if Lookman and Nwabali can bring home individual honors in December.
Lookman Leads the Pack for Player of the Year
Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who had an outstanding year both in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the UEFA Europa League, is among the final five nominees for the 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award. Lookman is joined by Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s prolific striker Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s star defender Achraf Hakimi, and South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. The 26-year-old Lookman’s inclusion as a favorite reflects his significant contributions for both club and country.
Lookman’s stellar season included a standout performance at the AFCON tournament, where he scored three goals, and an unforgettable hat-trick in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final clash against Bayer Leverkusen. With a total of 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions last season, Lookman has continued his remarkable form into this season, recording eight goals and five assists in just 14 games for Atalanta.
Nwabali’s AFCON Heroics Secure Keeper of the Year Nomination
Chippa United’s Stanley Nwabali, who shone as Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper during the 2023 AFCON tournament, has made it to the final five nominees for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year Award. Nwabali’s competition includes top-rated African keepers, such as Manchester United’s Andre Onana from Cameroon, Ivory Coast’s Yahia Fofana, Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, whom he faced during AFCON 2023.
Nwabali’s journey to the shortlist is a testament to his resilience and impressive form, having delivered solid performances throughout AFCON, which contributed to Nigeria’s success in the tournament. As he goes up against some of the continent’s finest keepers, Nwabali’s nomination represents a remarkable personal achievement and highlights his contributions to Nigerian football.
Troost-Ekong’s Omission Surprises Fans and Experts
In a surprising turn, Super Eagles defender and 2023 AFCON MVP William Troost-Ekong was omitted from the final CAF shortlist, a decision that has sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Troost-Ekong, known for his leadership and strong defensive presence, was anticipated to secure a spot following his impressive form at AFCON. His absence has left many wondering about the criteria behind the final selections.
The omission of Troost-Ekong, along with former Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro for the Coach of the Year Award, signifies that the CAF Awards committee faced tough choices amid strong competition. For Nigerian football enthusiasts, Troost-Ekong’s absence remains a point of disappointment as he has been a pivotal figure for both the national team and his club.
Other Categories and Nigeria’s Chances in National Team of the Year
Beyond individual honors, Nigeria remains in the race for the National Team of the Year Award, contending against top teams like reigning champions Ivory Coast, DR Congo, South Africa, and Sudan. This recognition celebrates the collective achievements of teams that have demonstrated exceptional performance over the past year, especially in continental tournaments like AFCON.
CAF has also confirmed additional categories such as Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Club of the Year, each showcasing the best talent in African football across various levels. The awards, covering performances from January to October 2024, will shine a light on the continent’s top talents and teams, with Nigeria poised to make an impact in both individual and team categories. As the countdown to the ceremony begins, fans eagerly await to see if Lookman and Nwabali can claim the prestigious honors.
