As anticipation builds ahead of the CAF Awards ceremony set for today in Marrakesh, Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has thrown its weight behind Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who are in contention for the prestigious CAF Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.
Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie are Nigeria’s leading contenders for honors at the 2024 CAF Awards, where the country is in the running for seven accolades.
In the men’s category, Lookman faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for the coveted Player of the Year award.
For the women’s award, Nnadozie is up against Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Barbara Banda.
NFF Confident in Nigerian Nominees
The NFF expressed strong confidence in Lookman’s chances, stating in a release:
“All things being equal, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman should be crowned the African Player of The Year at Monday evening’s 2024 CAF Awards at the Palais des Congrés in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.
None of the four other final nominees comes close. Ivorian Simon Adingra, whose remarkable second-half performance saw the Elephants overcome Nigeria in the AFCON Final in Abidjan on February 11, cannot point to such a glittering record with English Premier League club, Brighton.”
The statement further highlighted Lookman’s consistent performances with Atalanta especially in the Europa League Final where he netted a hat trick
On Nnadozie, the NFF celebrated her outstanding year:
“In the women’s category, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is a worthy contender for the Player of The Year (won for the sixth time last year by compatriot Asisat Oshoala).
The gong will cap a remarkable year for the soft-spoken safe hands who helped Nigeria re-appear at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years, was key to the Falcons’ qualification for next year’s AFCON and drew rave reviews all around with French club, Paris FC.”
Potential History for Nigeria
If both Lookman and Nnadozie claim the top prizes, it will mark the third time Nigeria has produced winners in both Player of the Year categories. Previous double wins came in 1999 (Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh) and 2023 (Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala).
More Nominations for Nigeria
Nigeria’s presence at the CAF Awards extends beyond Lookman and Nnadozie:
The Super Eagles and Super Falcons are both nominated for National Team of the Year, with the Eagles competing against Ivory Coast and South Africa, while the Falcons face Morocco and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
Falconets and Rivers Angels forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu is among the final three nominees for Women’s Young Player of the Year, competing with FC Masar’s Habiba Sabry and AS FAR’s Doha El Madani.
With seven nominations, Nigeria hopes to make a strong showing at the awards ceremony and further cement its status as a football powerhouse on the continent.
