As the 2024 football season draws to a close, several African players have risen to prominence, making significant contributions to both their clubs and national teams. Among these stars, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have produced some standout performers, with Ademola Lookman leading the pack. The Atalanta winger has had an exceptional year, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s top football talents. However, Lookman isn’t the only Nigerian who has shone this year. Three other Super Eagles players—Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, and Victor Boniface—are strong contenders to join him on CAF’s prestigious shortlist for Player of the Year.
**Ademola Lookman’s Stellar Year**
Ademola Lookman has been in scintillating form for both Atalanta and Nigeria, making him one of the clear favorites to clinch the CAF Player of the Year award. In the 2023/2024 season, Lookman was instrumental in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph, scoring a historic hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing a 3-0 victory. This made him the first player since 1969 to score a treble in a one-legged European final. His performances were so outstanding that he earned a spot in the Europa League Team of the Season, alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the only other African player named.
On the international stage, Lookman continued his excellent form during Nigeria’s run to the AFCON 2024 final. He was the joint-top scorer for Nigeria, sharing the accolade with William Troost-Ekong, and was named in the tournament’s Team of the Tournament. His exploits didn’t go unnoticed, as he became the first Atalanta player ever to be nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or in September 2024. Given his consistent performances and high-profile success, Lookman is a front-runner for the CAF Player of the Year award. It would be a significant shock if anyone were to beat him to the title.
**William Troost-Ekong: The Defensive Hero**
While defenders rarely get the spotlight in awards like these, William Troost-Ekong has made a compelling case for himself with his extraordinary achievements this year. As the captain of the Nigerian national team, Troost-Ekong played a pivotal role in leading the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2024 final. His leadership and defensive prowess were key throughout the tournament, but what truly set him apart was his remarkable goal-scoring ability.
Troost-Ekong scored three crucial goals during the AFCON, including one in the final against Côte d’Ivoire. Though Nigeria lost the final 2-1, his contributions were enough to earn him the tournament’s Best Player award, making him the first defender since Rigobert Song in 2002 to win this prestigious accolade. His five AFCON goals also make him Nigeria’s highest-scoring defender in the tournament’s history, surpassing the legendary Stephen Keshi.
On the club side, Troost-Ekong won the Greek Super League with PAOK before moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Kholood in the summer. With such a successful year behind him, the Nigerian defender is a strong candidate to make the CAF shortlist and possibly become the first defender in decades to win the Player of the Year award.
**Victor Osimhen: Africa’s Top Striker**
Victor Osimhen continues to be Africa’s most high-profile striker, dominating headlines and transfer rumors throughout the year. The 25-year-old forward had another prolific season, despite Napoli’s struggles, and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign. Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess remains unmatched, and his move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in September 2024 has only further highlighted his talent.
In Turkey, Osimhen has quickly established himself as one of the top players in the Super Lig, delivering consistent performances that have elevated his reputation even further. His status as Africa’s Most Valuable Footballer and reigning CAF Player of the Year makes him a near-certain contender for this year’s award as well. Given his stature and consistent performance, Osimhen’s inclusion in the final shortlist seems inevitable.
**Victor Boniface: The Rising Star**
The youngest of the Nigerian contenders, Victor Boniface, has had an extraordinary rise in European football. Boniface’s first season at Bayer Leverkusen was nothing short of phenomenal, with the 23-year-old helping his team secure a historic treble, winning the Bundesliga title, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup. Boniface contributed 14 goals in the league and 21 in all competitions, showcasing his versatility and sharpness in front of goal.
Despite dealing with injury setbacks, Boniface’s performances have made him one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe. His physical strength, technical skill, and intelligent movement on the field have earned him comparisons with some of the best strikers in the game. Boniface himself has expressed confidence in his chances for the CAF award, stating that he believes he is a top contender based on his contributions last season.
With such a remarkable year under his belt, Boniface is likely to join his fellow Nigerians on the CAF shortlist, marking another step in his rapidly ascending career.
**Conclusion**
With Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong, Victor Osimhen, and Victor Boniface all delivering exceptional performances in 2024, Nigeria is well-represented in the race for CAF’s Player of the Year. Each of these players has made significant contributions to their clubs and the national team, making them strong contenders for the prestigious award. Lookman, in particular, stands out as the favorite, but the inclusion of Osimhen, Troost-Ekong, and Boniface highlights the depth of talent within the Super Eagles ranks.