Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has thrown his full support behind compatriot Ademola Lookman to win the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award.
Lookman, who has been in sensational form this season with 11 goals and five assists for Atalanta, is among the final nominees for the prestigious award.
He faces competition from Serhou Guirassy, Achraf Hakimi, and Rowen Williams.
Speaking with talkSPORT, Troost-Ekong was unwavering in his belief that Lookman deserves the accolade.
“I would say he’s arguably our best player and arguably the best player in Africa right now,” Troost-Ekong said.
“On December 16, there will be the ceremony, and I’m sure he’s going to win it.”
The Nigerian defender highlighted Lookman’s exceptional performances for club and country, referencing his AFCON brilliance and memorable Europa League hat-trick.
“This season, he’s been something else, and at AFCON, he was amazing.
Everybody saw the hat-trick in the Europa League final, and there were a lot of rumours about big clubs, which I know to be true. If I were any top club right now, I’d want him.”
Interestingly, Troost-Ekong himself was initially nominated for the award but didn’t make the final shortlist despite an impressive season.
The winner of the CAF African Player of the Year award will be announced on December 16 at a ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco.
Lookman remains a strong contender to bring the prestigious title back to Nigeria.
