Nigeria aims for another triumphant outing at the CAF Awards, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled its list of nominees on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Last year, Nigerian football dominated the stage, with Victor Osimhen clinching the Men's Player of the Year award and Asisat Oshoala securing the Women's Player of the Year title.
In addition, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie won the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while the Super Falcons claimed the Women’s Team of the Year honour, showcasing Nigeria’s football excellence at the 2023 awards in Morocco.
Nigeria also boasted 16 nominations across various categories last year.
Who are the latest Nigerian nominees for CAF awards?
For the 2024 edition, Nigeria's hope rests on two major names for the Africa Footballer of the Year award: Ademola Lookman of Atalanta and Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, who now plays for Al-Kholood.
Both players were pivotal as Nigeria finished runners-up at the AFCON, narrowly losing to host nation Ivory Coast in the final.
Lookman’s incredible season saw him lead Atalanta to the Europa League final, where he became the first player to score a hat-trick in the tournament's modern format.
Troost-Ekong, meanwhile, was a rock in defence, scoring twice en route to the final and earning the Player of the Tournament accolade.
Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also made the nominees' list in the Goalkeeper of the Year category. His brilliant saves throughout the tournament helped Nigeria reach the AFCON final.
With Lookman’s superb form, many believe he could follow in Osimhen’s footsteps and win Africa’s top individual prize.
The CAF Awards will take place on December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.
