Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has expressed confidence that Nigeria will continue its dominance in the CAF Player of the Year awards after recent back-to-back successes.
While praising Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman for his outstanding performances at both club and international levels, Osimhen shared his belief that Nigerian footballers will keep winning the prestigious honor.
In a video circulating on social media, the Super Eagles squad celebrated Lookman’s achievement after he was crowned the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year.
Ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe, the national team, along with the coaching staff, honored Lookman during a dinner gathering. A special cake bearing the inscription ‘King of Africa, Lookman’ was presented to him in recognition of his milestone.
Osimhen, speaking on the occasion, stated:
“First of all, we all know Lookman deserves this,” Osimhen said.
“He has been amazing for both his club and also for the Super Eagles. It’s a great privilege that this award came to Nigeria and went to the most deserved person. I am proud of you, (Lookman).”
By clinching the award, Lookman became the second Nigerian player in a row to claim the title, following Osimhen’s victory the previous year.
Osimhen went on to express his hopes that Nigeria would continue to dominate the award, saying:
“I also hope it comes back to Nigeria,” Osimhen added.
“The likes of (Victor) Boniface, Samuel (Chukwueze), all of us.”
Nigeria boasts an illustrious history in the CAF African Player of the Year awards, with seven different players winning the prize since Rashidi Yekini first claimed the honor in 1993.
The competition for next year’s award is expected to be fierce, with key contenders including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah—who leads the Premier League with 27 goals and 17 assists—and Osimhen himself, currently the top scorer in the Turkish Super League with 20 goals for Galatasaray.
Lookman, who has been instrumental in Atalanta’s strong Serie A campaign, ranking third in the league while contributing 18 goals and six assists, also remains a strong candidate for the prestigious accolade.
