Former Nigeria international, Taribo West, has described Ademola Lookman’s CAF African Player of the Year award as a “compensation” for Nigeria’s failure to win the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.

Lookman, who scored three goals and provided one assist during Nigeria’s impressive run to the AFCON final in February, was crowned Africa’s best footballer on Monday night in Marrakech, Morocco.

He succeeds compatriot Victor Osimhen, making it back-to-back wins for Nigeria.

Speaking on No-Holds-Barred on Brila FM with Ifeanyi Udeze, the 1996 Olympics gold medalist praised Lookman’s remarkable year for both club and country, calling the achievement significant.

“It’s a wonderful feat and a great compensation for the AFCON he didn’t win,” West said.

He further discussed the presence of PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi at the CAF Awards ceremony, suggesting that it wasn’t solely in support of Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, who was also nominated.

“An insider has told me PSG’s interest in Lookman is strong. The presence of the club president at the CAF Awards last night wasn’t just for Hakimi,” West revealed.

“Ademola Lookman is on PSG’s list. The person I know in Paris called me to convince him to come to PSG.

The president attending the ceremony was not only for Hakimi but also for Lookman.”

Lookman beat stiff competition from the likes of Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG), Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast/Brighton), Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) to claim the prestigious award.

The Atalanta forward’s stellar year included a UEFA Europa League title, where his unforgettable hat-trick secured Atalanta’s first-ever continental trophy.

Combined with his outstanding international performances, Lookman’s crowning moment reflects his undeniable impact on African football.