Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has backed Ademola Lookman to also be crowned as the continent’s best footballer for 2024.
Victor Osimhen was crowned Africa’s No 1 player last year and Ikpeba has now thrown his full weight behind the Atalanta forward to extend the Nigerian run in the prestigious individual awards.
“Ademola Lookman deserves to be the next CAF Player of the Year, he took his chance and I am absolutely proud of what he has achieved,” Ikpeba told SCORENigeria
“He has no serious rival for the CAF Award and his winning it will be great for Nigerian football.”
He continued: “I remember when I won the award in 1997, I was the only African nominated for the Ballon d’Or and I went on to be named CAF Player of the Year.
“It’s the same with him now, and that is a massive step to be the CAF Player of the Year as well.
“It’s not every day, you score a hat-trick in a Europa League final, you score goals that you will remember for the rest of your life.
“And that was after you showed at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire that you are a class above the rest.”
Besides his performance, Ikpeba said he admires the humility of the Atalanta forward.
“He’s humble, takes a lot of pride playing for Nigeria and carries himself very well,” remarked the former international.
“There’s no drama around him, he plays for Nigeria and goes back to continue to be busy on the pitch with his club.
“He is a true model for millions of young players as someone who never gave up despite many challenges in his career.
“It’s just rather strange that the media have not accorded him the recognition that he richly deserves.”
The Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will be staged in October, while the CAF Awards are billed for December.
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