Former Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has backed Ademola Lookman to win 2024 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
Lookman will slug it out with nine other players for the prestigious award.
The 27-year-old, who was also nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’or award is the overwhelming favourite to emerge Africa’s best player.
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The winger finished in 14th position in the final Ballon d’or ranking.
“Lookman is an exceptional talent. His hard work, commitment, and discipline set him apart. I am thrilled with his achievements and his nomination for the Ballon d’Or, which is a testament to his quality,” Onazi told Brila FM.
“CAF should prepare the trophy for him; it’s not just about him being Nigerian, but because he truly is the finest player in Africa right now. His performance last season was phenomenal, and he deserves every recognition he gets.”
By Adeboye Amosu
8 Comments
I know people will disagree with me when I say African lack quality players at this time. In time past, lookman won’t have been amongst the top 10 in African judging by what he did in the season under focus. But right now, exceptional players is so scarce in African sphere that there is really no one to rival lookman’s modest achievement. There is no dearth of talent in African but consistent top performers are just not available. Lookman should will it not because he was so good but because competition is weak. Maybe his stars aligned at the right time. I see him as a faint light in a mediocre continent.
What is the purpose of this thing that you wrote? I really don’t get it.
My point is that African players are not doing well unlike when we had lots of European clubsides build their team around solid African players. Our strongest contender right now was a player who is sometimes benched or sub off. If he did not score that hatrick in the final. Would he be amongst the finalist?
Someone who scored hat trick in a European cup final is not good enough, it’s like something is definitely wrong with you.
I expected this kind of response. At this time, He is the best in Africa but in time past like in an era where we had the Likes of essien, drogba, Eto, kanu, Hadji, yaya etc. Scoring a hatrick in one final will not be enough to win you the footballer of the year. There are not enough big time achieving players in Africa right now. That’s my stand.
Man scored goals and assisted at the Afcon and was crucial to us getting to the final. You sound a little bit like a hater….We all know that ab era of football is something bound to happen. I don’t know why you’re trying to minimize this man’s impact for both club and country. Abi you think the current Man utd is the same as the time of Sir Alex Ferguson? Abegi let the man enjoy his hardwork.
@Deba, it’s one thing to say you’re not a Lookman fan, but to dismiss his achievements as the product of “weak competition” is a stretch. Football has changed massively over the years, and it’s unfair to use a “then vs. now” approach to downplay the quality of today’s players. Comparing eras isn’t just challenging; it ignores the fact that today’s game is faster, more tactical, and played in a highly competitive environment—especially in leagues like Serie A, where Lookman has been essential to Atalanta.
Lookman didn’t just show up in Italy; he excelled. He’s held his own against world-class defenders, contributed consistently to Atalanta’s success, and finished as one of the top-scoring African players in the league. His contribution to the Nigerian national team has been equally noteworthy, bringing a spark to the Super Eagles, helping the team secure crucial wins, and showcasing his skill and consistency on an international level. His impact with Nigeria adds depth to his consideration for the award, proving he’s more than just a club-level star.
Claiming he’s a “faint light” in African football is selling him short. African talent hasn’t declined—it’s evolved. Players today aren’t just fighting for visibility; they’re competing at the highest levels across Europe, and Lookman is a prime example. The notion that African football lacks top talent today doesn’t hold; these players are contributing both at home and on the world stage.
This award isn’t about comparing generations—it’s about recognizing achievements in today’s competitive landscape. And right now, Lookman’s consistency, adaptability, and impact make him a worthy candidate, not just because the competition is weak, but because his performance has been strong. Football has always been about timing, and Lookman has risen to the moment.
Well done my brother for putting that kid straight!