Victor Osimhen, a key player for the national team, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to secure more CAF Player of the Year awards in the future. This statement follows recent successes in the awards, as reported in sports news.
Osimhen praised the performance of Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, both at the club and national team levels.
A video circulating on social media showed the Nigerian team celebrating Lookman for winning the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award.
Ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe, Lookman was honored by his teammates and coaching staff at a team dinner, where a cake was presented with the inscription ‘King of Africa, Lookman.’
“Lookman truly deserves this recognition,” Osimhen remarked.
“His outstanding performance for both club and country made him a worthy recipient of the award. I congratulate you, (Lookman).”
Lookman became the second Nigerian player in a row to achieve this accolade after Osimhen.
“I hope to see more Nigerians winning this award,” Osimhen expressed.
“Players like (Victor) Boniface, Samuel (Chukwueze), and myself.”
Nigeria has a proud history of producing seven CAF African Player of the Year awardees, starting with Rashidi Yekini in 1993.
The upcoming award race is anticipated to be competitive, with top performers like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, leading the Premier League in goals and assists, and Osimhen, the leading scorer in the Turkish Super League with 20 goals for Galatasaray, as potential contenders.
Lookman, currently third in Serie A with Atalanta and boasting 18 goals and six assists, is also a strong contender for the prestigious award.