2024 CAF Awards: Nigeria’s Historic Legacy at Stake As Lookman, Nnadozie Lead the Charge
As the football world turns its attention to Marrakesh, Morocco, for the 2024 CAF Awards, Nigeria stands at the forefront, with its football stars and teams vying for top honours.
Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie are the leading lights in the race for the prestigious Player of the Year awards in the men’s and women’s categories.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has backed these stars, declaring in a statement on the eve of the awards ceremony that they are ready to bring home glory.
Ademola Lookman: Nigeria’s Rising Star
Lookman faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams In the men’s category. Despite the tough field, Lookman’s impressive year has made him a strong contender for the title.
Representing Atalanta, the 27-year-old forward was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 AFCON final, contributing three goals and two assists. He also starred for his Italian club, netting a hat-trick in their UEFA Europa League triumph over Bayer Leverkusen and scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League. With 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances this season, Lookman’s contributions have been nothing short of exceptional.
“All things being equal, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman should be crowned the African Player of the Year,” NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire stated in their rallying cry for the Atalanta ace.
Chiamaka Nnadozie: The Safe Hands of Nigeria
On the women’s side, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is in the running for both the Women’s Player of the Year and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards. A standout performer for Paris FC, Nnadozie has been pivotal for both club and country.
Her heroics helped Nigeria secure a spot at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in 16 years and qualify for the 2024 Women’s AFCON. Nnadozie has also earned widespread acclaim in the French league, making her a fan favorite to clinch these awards.
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If Nnadozie claims the top honor, she will follow in the footsteps of Asisat Oshoala, who has won the Women’s Player of the Year award six times.
Team Nigeria: A Shot at Collective Glory
The Super Eagles and Super Falcons are also contenders for the National Team of the Year awards. The Super Eagles are nominated alongside AFCON champions Ivory Coast and South Africa, while the Falcons face competition from Morocco and South Africa’s Banyana Banyana.
Nigerian Women Dominate the Spotlight
The impressive performances of Nigerian women’s football are further highlighted by nominations in other categories. Rising star Chiamaka Okwuchukwu is a finalist for the Women’s Young Player of the Year award after a stellar outing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Her two goals and one assist were instrumental in leading Nigeria to the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Edo Queens, champions of the Nigeria Women Football League, are vying for the Women’s Club of the Year award against CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar.
Nigeria’s Historic Legacy at Stake
A win for Lookman and Nnadozie in their respective categories would mark the third time Nigeria has produced both the men’s and women’s Players of the Year in the same edition. This feat was previously achieved in 1999 (Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh) and 2023 (Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala).
With seven nominations across various categories, Nigeria stands on the brink of another historic night at the CAF Awards. As the ceremony unfolds, the country hopes to reaffirm its dominance in African football and celebrate the brilliance of its stars on the grandest stage.
Stay tuned as Marrakesh lights up with the spirit of African football! Will Nigeria’s stars bring home the glory? All eyes are on the Palais des Congrès tonight.
