The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has thrown its support behind Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who are in contention for top honors at the 2024 CAF Awards, set to take place today in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Lookman, a standout for Atalanta and the Super Eagles, is one of five nominees for the prestigious CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.
His competitors include Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Meanwhile, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is vying for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year title alongside Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Barbra Banda.
Nnadozie, a star for Paris FC, is also tipped for a back-to-back win in the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category.
In a statement, NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire expressed confidence in Lookman’s chances, citing his stellar performances for club and country.
“All things being equal, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman should be crowned African Player of the Year,” Olajire said. “None of the other nominees comes close.”
Lookman’s achievements include three goals and two assists that led Nigeria to the AFCON final in February, a hat-trick in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph, and a strong start to the current season with 11 goals and five assists.
Nnadozie’s contributions have also been monumental. She played a crucial role in Nigeria’s return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years, AFCON qualification, and Paris FC’s impressive run in France.
Beyond Lookman and Nnadozie, Nigeria is well-represented at this year’s CAF Awards with seven nominations.
The Super Eagles and Super Falcons are contenders for National Team of the Year, while Edo Queens are finalists for Women’s Club of the Year.
Additionally, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu of Rivers Angels is up for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award, a testament to Nigeria’s strong presence in African football.
Wins for Lookman and Nnadozie would mark the third time Nigeria claimed both Player of the Year awards, following victories by Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh in 1999, and Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in 2023.
As the football world awaits the results, Nigeria stands poised for a historic night in Marrakesh.