The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the final shortlist for the prestigious 2024 African Player of the Year award, featuring some of the continent’s most exceptional talents, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
This highly anticipated announcement was made on Thursday evening, narrowing down the competition to five top players.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles star, Ademola Lookman, retained his spot on the elite list, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s finest footballers. Lookman has been in phenomenal form throughout the year, delivering standout performances at both the club and international levels. His contributions to Nigeria’s success at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire were pivotal, as he showcased his playmaking abilities and eye for goals.
In addition, Lookman played an instrumental role in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League triumph, making history by scoring a remarkable hat trick in the final. His achievements have not only elevated his status but also highlighted his immense potential to shine on the global stage.
The final shortlist also includes Achraf Hakimi of Morocco, who has been exceptional for Paris Saint-Germain; Guinea’s prolific striker, Serge Guirassy; Côte d’Ivoire’s rising star Simon Adingra; and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Each of these players has made significant contributions to their respective clubs and national teams over the past year.
The winner of the 2024 African Player of the Year will be revealed during the CAF Awards ceremony scheduled to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco. The event promises to be a celebration of African football excellence, honoring players, coaches, and teams that have distinguished themselves in various competitions.
Oluwayemi Omolagba