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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed strong support for Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman and Chiamaka Nnadozie, who are both contenders for the prestigious CAF Player of The Year awards in their respective categories.
Lookman and Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie represent Nigeria in competitive categories as the country vies for a total of seven awards at this year’s CAF awards ceremony, which will take place in Marrakesh, Morocco, later tonight, December 16.
The men’s category features Lookman in fierce competition with four other notable nominees, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international is recognized for his remarkable performances and is seen as a strong candidate for the men’s Player of The Year Award.
In a statement supporting Lookman, the NFF emphasized, “All things being equal, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has a compelling case to be named the African Player of The Year at the 2024 CAF Awards.”
Nnadozie is also a formidable contender, competing for the Women’s Player of The Year award against Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Zambia’s Babra Banda.
Additionally, she is a leading candidate for the Women’s Goalkeeper of The Year award, having significantly contributed to Nigeria’s successful return to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament and the team’s qualification for next year’s AFCON.
The NFF statement adds, “In the women’s category, Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie is a worthy contender for the Player of The Year (won for the sixth time last year by compatriot Asisat Oshoala), and the gong will cap a remarkable year for the soft-spoken safe hands who helped Nigeria re-appear at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament after 16 years, was key to the Falcons’ qualification for next year’s AFCON and drew rave reviews all around with French club, Paris FC.”
If both players secure victories in their respective categories, Nigeria will celebrate its third win for both awards—following the successes of Nwankwo Kanu and Mercy Akide-Udoh in 1999, as well as Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala in 2023.
Lookman’s impressive stats for this season include 11 goals and five assists in 18 appearances for Atalanta, alongside pivotal goals that propelled Nigeria into crucial tournament qualifications.
Furthermore, both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons have been nominated for the National Team of the Year award, alongside the AFCON 2023 winners Ivory Coast and South Africa.
In addition to these nominations, Falconets and Rivers Angels forward Chiamaka Okwuchukwu has made it to the final three for the Women’s Young Player of The Year Award. She showcased her talent at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
Edo Queens, the Nigeria Women Football League champions, are also in contention for the Women’s Club of The Year award, competing against esteemed teams such as CAF Women’s Champions League winners TP Mazembe and Asfar.
