Why Amuneke backs Super Eagles star for CAF Award

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Emmanuel Amuneke has stated why Atalanta sensation and Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman should emerge as the next CAF African Men’s Player of the Year.

The former Barcelona winger expressed his belief that Lookman’s outstanding displays for both Atalanta and the Nigerian national team position him as a compelling candidate for this esteemed accolade.

The 26-year-old striker demonstrated exceptional performance during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals and contributing with an assist.

His outstanding form extended to the club level, culminating in a hat-trick during the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Everton player’s outstanding displays have secured him a position on the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he is the sole African player nominated this year. This further solidifies his reputation as a potential future contender for the CAF Player of the Year award.

Amuneke, a previous CAF Player of the Year winner, firmly believes that Lookman has the potential to win the award.

Amuneke underscored the significance of ongoing support for Nigerian players. “We need to continue supporting our players, both in Europe and in our local leagues. We all need one another to form the ecological system that governs our football for our football to thrive.”

Lookman is competing with Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz for Africa’s top individual football award.