As the 2024 CAF Awards ceremony takes place today in Marrakesh, Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has declared full support for Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who are strong contenders for the prestigious *Player of the Year* awards in the men’s and women’s categories.
Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, is among five finalists for the Men’s Player of the Year award. He faces stiff competition from Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams. Lookman’s remarkable 2024 achievements include three goals and two assists that led Nigeria to the AFCON final and a hat-trick that secured Atalanta’s UEFA Europa League title.
In the women’s category, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is in contention for the Women’s Player of the Year award alongside Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda. Nnadozie is also the favorite to win the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award for the second consecutive year, following her standout performances for Nigeria and Paris FC.
The NFF, in a statement by spokesperson Ademola Olajire, expressed confidence in both players’ chances, particularly hailing Lookman as the standout nominee for the men’s award.
In addition to these individual categories, Nigeria is vying for several other awards:
– **National Team of the Year**: The Super Eagles and Super Falcons are finalists in their respective categories.
– **Women’s Young Player of the Year**: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, who shone at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, is among the top three contenders.
– **Women’s Club of the Year**: Edo Queens, Nigeria Women Football League champions, are finalists alongside CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar.
Victory for Lookman and Nnadozie in their categories would mark the third time Nigeria has produced winners in both top categories, following the successes of Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh in 1999 and Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in 2023.
The CAF Awards continue to highlight Nigeria’s growing influence and achievements in African football, with hopes high for another historic night for the nation.
