The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the nominees for the prestigious Africa Player of the Year award, featuring two Super Eagles stars.
Ademola Lookman, the winger for Atalanta, and William Troost-Ekong, defender for Al Kholood, have made the shortlist.
They join a competitive ten-man list that includes DR Congo’s veteran defender Chancel Mbemba, Achraf Hakimi from Paris Saint-Germain, and prolific striker Serhou Guirassy of Borussia Dortmund.
Rising star Simon Adingra from Brighton & Hove Albion, who recently helped Côte d’Ivoire win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is also nominated.
Other notable nominees include Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen), Algeria’s talented forward Amine Gouiri, South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, and Morocco’s Soufiane Rahimi, who plays for Al Ain FC.
Surprisingly, reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was not nominated to defend his title, despite becoming the first Nigerian in 24 years to win the award last year.
His absence is shocking given his impressive performances for Napoli/Galatasaray and the Super Eagles during AFCON.
Victor Boniface, another Super Eagles standout, also missed the top ten list despite an impressive debut season with Bayer Leverkusen, where he played a key role in securing a league and cup double.
His injury-enforced absence from AFCON 2023 likely impacted his chances.
With Osimhen and Boniface absent, Lookman is poised to make his mark. The 26-year-old enjoyed a fantastic year, excelling in both Serie A and the Europa League.
His standout moment came when he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, helping Atalanta secure the title.
Additionally, Lookman was Nigeria’s joint-top scorer at AFCON 2023, contributing to the Super Eagles’ silver medal finish. Both Lookman and Troost-Ekong were named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament, with Troost-Ekong earning the title of Most Valuable Player.
Full List of CAF Africa Player of the Year Nominees:
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)
William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria, Al Kholood)
Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo, Olympique Marseille)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, Paris Saint-Germain)
Serhou Guirassy (Guinea, Borussia Dortmund)
Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire, Brighton & Hove Albion)
Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso, Bayer Leverkusen)
Amine Gouiri (Algeria, Stade Rennais)
Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)
Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco, Al Ain FC)