CAF Awards: Lookman, Nwabali Make Final Shortlist as Ekong Misses Out
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the final five-man shortlist for the men’s categories of the CAF Awards 2024, with Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman and Stanley Nwabali making the cut. However, William Troost-Ekong’s omission from the list has raised eyebrows.
The awards, set to hold on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco, will celebrate African football excellence from January to October 2024. Among the seven men’s categories confirmed by CAF are Men’s Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, and Club of the Year.
Lookman Eyes Player of the Year Title
Ademola Lookman is the favorite for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award following a stellar year for both club and country. The 26-year-old forward scored three goals at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and delivered a hat-trick in Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, finishing the 2023/24 season with 17 goals and 10 assists. Lookman has continued his form this season with eight goals and five assists in 14 games.
He will compete against Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
Nwabali Shines Amongst Goalkeepers
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali earned a spot in the Goalkeeper of the Year shortlist after a remarkable showing at the 2023 AFCON. Nwabali’s standout performances for Chippa United and Nigeria set him apart, though he faces stiff competition from Cameroon’s Andre Onana (Manchester United), Ivory Coast’s Yahia Fofana, Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir, and South Africa’s Williams.
Surprise Exclusions
William Troost-Ekong, who played a key role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, was surprisingly left out of the final shortlist for the Men’s Player of the Year. Similarly, former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro did not make the cut for the Coach of the Year award. The coaching category features AFCON-winning manager Emerse Faé (Ivory Coast), Pedro Gonçalves (Angola), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), Marcel Koller (Al Ahly), and Hugo Broos (South Africa).
National Team of the Year in the Mix
Nigeria remains in contention for the National Team of the Year award, alongside reigning AFCON champions Ivory Coast, DR Congo, South Africa, and Sudan.
The 2024 CAF Awards will not only spotlight individual brilliance but also acknowledge collective efforts across African football. As anticipation builds for the December ceremony, Nigerian fans will hope for a victorious night for Lookman, Nwabali, and the Super Eagles.
