Former Nigeria international Emmanuel Amuneke has endorsed Ademola Lookman as a strong contender to succeed Victor Osimhen as Africa’s top player.
Osimhen claimed the accolade last year after leading Serie A club Napoli to their first Scudetto in over 30 years.
Lookman, Osimhen’s fellow Nigerian, is now seen as a likely winner of the award this year, thanks to an impressive season for both his club and national team.
The 26-year-old scored three goals in seven appearances for Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The winger was also the hero of Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League success scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.
His impressive performance for both club and country saw him nominated in the 30-man Ballon d’Or shortlist, the only African who made the cut.
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Amuneke believes he is the right candidate to scoop the award.
“He’s in line (to be crowned CAF Player of the Year winner) if he continues the way he is doing,” Amuneke told SportsBoom.
“I watched the last game against Rwanda, and his performance was outstanding. It shows that he has been able to consolidate himself with African football.
“When I won it, I think Ikpeba won it again, and then Kanu. If a Nigerian wins it next, it is definitely a joyous one. It’s a thing of great motivation that shows the future is bright for our young players.
“We need to continue to support 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 strive.”
