CAF POTY: Lookman, Boniface to battle Diaz for top prize

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has shortlisted the final three contenders for this year's Africa Fiitball of the Year with two Nigerians going head-to-head against a Morrocan, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

After a sterling season for Atalanta where he scored a hattrick in the final, Ademola Lookman made the final three-man shortlist for the most coveted individual award in Africa. The Nigerian forward has been in great form both for club and country throughout the 2023-24 season and the current season, scoring 25 goals and 12 assists in 63 appearances across 8 competitions.

Victor Boniface despite suffering an injury setback early in the year that stopped him from participating in the Africa Cup of Nations was shortlisted for the final three. This in no doubt is a result of his hard work or Leverkusen from the start of last season till date. Aside from scoring week in and out, Boniface contributed immensely to Leverkusen's domestic double last season and their run to the final of the UEFA Europa League where they eventually lost 3-0 to Ademola Lookman's Atalanta.

With 27 goals and 10 assists in 49 appearances for both club and country since the last of last season, Boniface is a strong contender for the continent's most coveted individual award.

Controversially, Moroccan Brahim Diaz made the final shortlist for this year's award. Although had relatively the most successful campaign for the club against the Nigerian duo of Lookman and Boniface, Brahim Diaz's contribution to Real Madrid's triumph last season where they won four trophies was minimal. Diza enjoyed a larger duration on Madriid's campaign during the period, coming on in games mostly as a substitute towards the end of matches.

His inclusion has generated debated topics across the continent, however, it is still unknown the critical through which CAF selected him as one of the final shortlists for the Africa Player of the Year Award.

Morocco to host CAF Awards 2024 on December 16, marking the country's third consecutive year as host, with the exact location to be confirmed.

 

Oluwayemi Omolagba